Inter Beaujolais Hosts Wine Tasting & Pairing Dinner for Industry Professionals in Tokyo

Olivier Badoureaux, Managing Director of Inter Beaujolais, who flew to Japan for the occasion (right), and Bungo Matsunaga, Head Sommelier of the Tokyo Sommelier Guild, who served as the event's lecturer (left).

Inter Beaujolais held a 'Wine Tasting & Pairing Dinner for Industry Professionals' in Tokyo on Monday, May 11, 2026. Inviting Bungo Matsunaga, Head Sommelier of the Tokyo Sommelier Guild, as the lecturer, the event introduced the diversity of Beaujolais wines with clear explanations to 55 guests.

A total of 10 types of wine were tasted. Participants sampled AOC Beaujolais red, rosé, and white, alongside AOC Juliénas, Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent. The event allowed attendees to experience the subtle differences in taste among the Crus and deepen their understanding.

Olivier Badoureaux, Managing Director of Inter Beaujolais from France, was also in Japan for the day. He directly explained Beaujolais wines and the latest updates to the Japanese audience.

Following the tasting session (6 types), a Japanese food pairing dinner (4 types) took place, during which Mr. Matsunaga explained the excellent compatibility of the wines with Japanese cuisine.

The event closed on a high note, with guests sharing comments such as, 'I was surprised to learn there are so many diverse wines made solely from the Gamay grape,' 'I now clearly understand the differences between Cru Beaujolais,' 'Standard Beaujolais wines, not just Nouveau, deserve more recognition,' and 'I discovered how enjoyable pairings with Japanese food can be.'

Lecturer Mr. Matsunaga. Towards the end of the event, Mr. Badoureaux sharing his thoughts on the pairing of Japanese food and Beaujolais wine, with interpretation by Ms. Ito from the Japan office.

Six types of Beaujolais wine were tasted during the session, and four during the pairing dinner. The appetizer ('Hassun') was paired with white and rosé wines.

The Individuality of Beaujolais Shining Amid Changes in the Global Wine Market

While the global trend of declining wine consumption continues, particularly affecting the red wine market, Beaujolais has many appealing aspects that should be communicated now more than ever.

The spirit of 'sharing' and 'convivialité' (a friendly, harmonious atmosphere) is deeply rooted in the land of Beaujolais. Producers highly value sharing not only their wines but also their history, values, cultivated expertise, and even culinary culture with visitors. They always warmly welcome people and offer unique Beaujolais experiences through interactions at their domaines and maisons.

Certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Beaujolais is an attractive region blessed with beautiful rolling hills and valleys, dotted with numerous magnificent chateaus and wineries.

Beaujolais wine is known as a light, fruit-forward red wine, but this is not merely a response to trends or the market. The Gamay grape masterfully expresses the potential of Beaujolais' diverse terroirs. Its expressions are truly rich, ranging from an approachable, juicy style to one with concentration and complexity. What all these wines share is freshness and drinkability. The diverse aromas and flavors drawn out by the exceptional skills of pioneering producers continue to captivate many.

Strategic Goals for the Development of Beaujolais White Wine

While Beaujolais strongly evokes the image of red wine, white wine has seen steady growth in both production and sales in recent years, prompting the region to launch strategic initiatives for its development.

Beaujolais white wines made from the Chardonnay grape yield unique styles driven by diverse terroirs, earning high praise from experts and importers. However, production volume remains at only about 4% of the total, and awareness among general consumers is still limited. Therefore, to establish a sustainable brand, production needs to be expanded to roughly three times its current scale.

The goal of this initiative is not to replace red wine, but to establish the long-term value and recognition of Beaujolais white wine. Building on its already established history and reputation, Beaujolais white wine is aiming for an even greater leap forward.

©Marc Rabaux_Inter Beaujolais

Discover the Appeal of Beaujolais Wines at Vinexpo Asia Hong Kong 2026

At 'Vinexpo Asia Hong Kong', scheduled to be held from May 26 to 28, 2026, Beaujolais wine producers and négociants look forward to welcoming wine industry professionals from around the world.