Intersection of Alcohol Culture Since the Age of Discovery: 'Madeira Wine x Aged Sake' Cultural Exchange Event Held at the Portuguese Embassy! - Exploring the Possibilities of Japan-Portugal Alcohol Culture and Pairing, Featuring 100-Year Aged Madeira -
The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association held a cultural exchange event at the Portuguese Embassy, exploring pairings of aged sake and Madeira wine, highlighting the historical ties between Japan and Portugal since the Age of Discovery.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 05:16
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The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association), the largest organization in the sake industry involved in "traditional sake brewing" registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is working to promote the appeal of sake and sake culture both domestically and internationally.
On March 24th, the Association held a Japan-Portugal cultural exchange event, "Madeira Wine and Aged Sake Seminar & Tasting", with the cooperation of the Portuguese Embassy, Turismo de Portugal, AICEP Portugal Global, and Madeira Japan Co., Ltd. In this event, in addition to 10 types of Madeira wine and 10 types of sake, Portuguese cuisine prepared by the ambassador's official residence chef was served, creating a place where the alcohol and food cultures of Japan and Portugal intersected.
Vice Chairman Yamana of the Association stated, "As an opportunity to communicate the new value of sake domestically and internationally, we hope this event will deepen the understanding of the alcohol culture of both countries."
■The Intersection of "Aging Culture" from the Age of Discovery
The 16th century, the Age of Discovery. Madeira wine, a fortified wine completed through heating and oxidation, was born by chance during the process of Portugal pioneering maritime expansion globally, crossing the equator, and trading with the East.
Portugal was the first European country with which Japan began trading, and it is said that the first wine Japanese people drank was Madeira. On the other hand, it is said that the first Westerners to drink sake were Portuguese. Despite being located at opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, Japan and Portugal have deep historical ties.
In recent years, as interest in aged alcohol has grown, an opportunity has arisen for the two cultures of aged sake and Madeira wine to meet again at the same table.
On March 24th, the Association held a Japan-Portugal cultural exchange event, "Madeira Wine and Aged Sake Seminar & Tasting", with the cooperation of the Portuguese Embassy, Turismo de Portugal, AICEP Portugal Global, and Madeira Japan Co., Ltd. In this event, in addition to 10 types of Madeira wine and 10 types of sake, Portuguese cuisine prepared by the ambassador's official residence chef was served, creating a place where the alcohol and food cultures of Japan and Portugal intersected.
Vice Chairman Yamana of the Association stated, "As an opportunity to communicate the new value of sake domestically and internationally, we hope this event will deepen the understanding of the alcohol culture of both countries."
■The Intersection of "Aging Culture" from the Age of Discovery
The 16th century, the Age of Discovery. Madeira wine, a fortified wine completed through heating and oxidation, was born by chance during the process of Portugal pioneering maritime expansion globally, crossing the equator, and trading with the East.
Portugal was the first European country with which Japan began trading, and it is said that the first wine Japanese people drank was Madeira. On the other hand, it is said that the first Westerners to drink sake were Portuguese. Despite being located at opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, Japan and Portugal have deep historical ties.
In recent years, as interest in aged alcohol has grown, an opportunity has arisen for the two cultures of aged sake and Madeira wine to meet again at the same table.