Wine Day (Wain no Hi)

What Is Wine Day?

The 20th of every month is "Wine Day," said to have been established by the Japan Sommelier Association in 1994 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 Japan Sommelier Association (said to be 1994; the association's current official website does not appear to mention it)
• 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.
• "Japan Wine" labeling: Only wine made in Japan entirely from Japanese-grown grapes may be labeled "Nihon wine" (Japan Wine), distinguishing it from wine made in Japan from imported ingredients.
• A long history: Wine is believed to have been made by around 5000 BC, and Georgia is known as one of its birthplaces.
• Legal category in Japan: Under the Liquor Tax Act, wine is classified as a "fruit wine" (kajitsu-shu).

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.