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A Night at Warabi: Where Grace Meets Shichiken in a Battle of the Bottles

25 Jun A Night at Warabi: Where Grace Meets Shichiken in a Battle of the Bottles

Posted at 18:15h in Awards & Ratings by

What happens when two of Japan’s most revered drink traditions – wine and sake – face off across six sublime courses? Melbourne’s acclaimed Japanese dining experience, Warabi, is about to show us.

On a very special evening titled “Wine vs Sake: A Tasting Duel,” Warabi invites guests to a refined and intimate showdown between two liquid titans: Grace Wine and Shichiken Sake. Set against the backdrop of an elegant six-course kaiseki-style menu, each dish is masterfully paired with not one, but two beverages – one sake, one wine. The twist? Only you can decide which pairing prevails.

This is not merely a dinner. It’s a duel. And Grace Wine is ready to rise to the occasion.

Grace Wine: Japanese Viticulture, Refined

Representing the wine corner of this contest is Grace Wine, one of Japan’s most celebrated and pioneering wineries. Nestled in the high-altitude vineyards of Yamanashi Prefecture, Grace is known for its meticulous, terroir-driven expressions of Koshu, Rosé, and red blends – crafted with elegance, restraint, and precision.

Grace Wine doesn’t mimic Western styles. It speaks its own language – subtle, textural, and deeply in tune with Japanese cuisine. And that’s precisely why it stands tall in this tasting duel.

The Menu: Six Courses, Twelve Pairings

Each course at Warabi has been designed not just to showcase exquisite seasonal ingredients, but to test the boundaries of pairing philosophy. Here’s a preview of the contenders:

🦪 Sakidsuke | Sayori, Quail Egg, Caviar

  • Sake: Shichiken Hanashibori
  • Wine: Grace Kayagatake Koshu 2022
  • Commentary: A bright and mineral opener – Koshu’s crisp citrus cuts through the richness of caviar and egg, in delicate contrast to the sake’s gentle florality.

🦐 Agemono | Kuruma Ebi, Ebimiso, Shio

  • Sake: Shichiken Sora no Irodori
  • Wine: Grace Cuvee Serena Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc 2019
  • Commentary: The effervescence of Grace’s Blanc de Blanc dances alongside the crunch and salinity of the dish, a daring match to the soft umami of the sake.

🦆 Wanmono | Kamo, Shungiku, Dashi

  • Sake: Shichiken Birodo no Aji Junmai Ginjo
  • Wine: Grace Rosé Misawa Vineyard 2023
  • Commentary: Grace’s vibrant rosé brings a refreshing counterpoint to duck and chrysanthemum, with a touch of wild strawberry and spice to meet dashi’s umami depth.

🍣 Sushi | King George Whiting, Akami, Scampi

  • Sake: Shichiken Kaikoma Junmai Daiginjo
  • Wine: Grace Koshu Hishiyama Vineyard 2022
  • Commentary: This is where Koshu shines – its clean line and gentle acidity elevate raw seafood while honouring its delicacy. A pairing purist’s dream.

🥩 Shusai | Darling Downs Wagyu, Wasabi, Akamiso Jus

  • Sake: Shichiken Furin Biza
  • Wine: Grace Yamanashi de Grace Rouge 2021
  • Commentary: Grace’s structured red delivers a quiet intensity that meets wagyu’s richness with grace (pun intended). The miso jus finds a soulful mirror in the wine’s earthy depth.

🍑 Kanmi | Persimmon, Sake, Kokuto

Craft, Culture, and a Clash of Icons

This rare tasting event is more than a novelty – it’s an education in nuance, technique, and tradition. Guests will be guided through this dining experience, offering intimate insight into the craftsmanship, heritage, and regional expression behind both Grace Wine and Shichiken Sake.

It’s not East versus West. It’s Japan versus Japan – two traditions, two philosophies, two masterful approaches to flavour and balance.

So, Who Wins?

That’s up to you.

Join Warabi for a night of discovery, elegance, and exploration – and cast your own vote in this unparalleled pairing duel.

Event Details

Want to Explore Grace Wine at Home?

Discover the Grace Wine collection on Artisan Wine Online – and taste the grace of Japanese winemaking for yourself.