World Sake Day, celebrated every year on Oct. 1, marks the traditional start of the sake brewing season in Japan. Kyoto-born Reiko Hirai, owner of DC Sake cō, launched “Kanpai! to Sake Day in DC” five years ago—the first celebration of its kind in Washington, D.C.—to invite the community to take part in this global sake tradition. One of the highlights of Kanpai! to Sake Day in DC is that you can order sake through D.C. Sake cō with a special 10% discount so you can continue enjoying it at home. Kanpai!
Oct. 4, 12–4 p.m.
$108 per ticket + tax
Taste 100+ diverse sakes while interacting with sake professionals, sake makers and DC’s passionate sake community.
Enjoy bites from Love, Makoto, a Japanese culinary collection.
$198 per ticket + tax
Oct. 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Arrive an hour before the Kanpai! to World Sake Day event to enjoy a seated lunch and guided pairing with expert Kosuke Kuji, known globally as the “Mr. Sunshine” of the sake industry! Enjoy a rare opportunity to meet this fifth-generation president of Nanbu Bijin sake brewery while savoring dishes from internationally renowned Chef Makoto Okuwa. After, stroll through the sake pavilion at your leisure—tasting 00+ diverse sakes and meet DC’s passionate sake community—until 4 p.m.
$180 per ticket + tax
Oct. 4, 2–3:30 p.m.
Be among the first to access the sake pavilion with presenters and tastings starting at 11 a.m. Sip your way through 100+ diverse sakes, meet DC’s passionate sake community and enjoy bites from Love, Makoto until 4 p.m. Take a seat in Beloved BBQ at 2 p.m. for an exclusive VIP sake journey guided by Sake Ninja Chris Johnson, a well-known and respected sake sommelier and educator, while savoring dishes from internationally renowned Chef Makoto Okuwa.
About D.C. Sake cō
DC Sake cō is the Washington, D.C. area’s premier online shop dedicated to Japanese sake, shochu and spirits. Passionate about connecting people to the rich culture and craftsmanship behind these drinks, we host events, tastings, and educational programs to bring sake beyond traditional boundaries and create an inclusive, sake-loving community.
