Wine Day (Wain no Hi)

What Is Wine Day?

The 20th of every month is "Wine Day," established by the Sommelier Association of Japan based on the similarity between the French word for "twenty" ("vingt") and the French word for "wine" ("vin"), which sound nearly identical.

The Origins and Background of Wine Day

Wine is a fermented beverage made from grapes, with a history spanning thousands of years across the world. In Japan, serious winemaking began in the Meiji era, and in recent years, there's been growing interest in the quality of domestic wines as well as winery tourism. Wine Day was established to encourage people to enjoy wine more often, on the 20th of every month.

• Established by: The Sommelier Association of Japan
• Origin: The similarity between the French words for "20" ("vingt") and "wine" ("vin")
• Frequency: The 20th of every month

Trivia About Wine

• Red wine vs. white wine: Red wine is fermented with the grape skins and seeds, while white wine is made from fermenting only the juice.
• Wine regions in Japan: Yamanashi, Nagano, and Hokkaido are among Japan's leading domestic wine-producing regions.
• Proper storage: Wine is best kept in a cool place with minimal temperature fluctuation.

Tips for Enjoying Wine Day

Try pairing wine with your meal, or sample wines from a region or grape variety you've never tried before. Following a sommelier's recommendations is a great way to discover a new favorite bottle.