〈Vinoteras〉Special Talk Event: Japan's Best Sommeliers Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata
Key facts
- 〈Vinoteras〉Special Talk Event: Japan's Best Sommeliers Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata
- Vinoteras, operated by Wine Energy Co., Ltd., will host a special talk event featuring Japan's Best Sommelier winners Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata on July 19, 2026. Participants will receive 6 mini wine bottles for a blind tasting and can watch the event online via Zoom.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 4, 2026
Direct answer
Vinoteras, operated by Wine Energy Co., Ltd., will host a special talk event featuring Japan's Best Sommelier winners Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata on July 19, 2026. Participants will receive 6 mini wine bottles for a blind tasting and can watch the event online via Zoom.
- Citation
- 〈Vinoteras〉Special Talk Event: Japan's Best Sommeliers Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata (June 4, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 4, 2026
Vinoteras, operated by Wine Energy Co., Ltd., will host a special talk event featuring Japan's Best Sommelier winners Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata on July 19, 2026. Participants will receive 6 mini wine bottles for a blind tasting and can watch the event online via Zoom.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 03:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 18:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 7, 2026 at 00:24 (78h 3m after Collected)
Top sommeliers face off seriously!
Japan's Best Sommelier Competition winners, Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata, will hold a one-night-only special talk event!
This special talk is not just a conversation.
They will each bring their own wines and conduct a blind tasting on the spot.
Pay attention to the tasting comments of the top sommeliers and the items they have personally selected!
We will also deliver wines to you in a blind format♪
Please apply!
See details
■ Blind Wine Themes
1. Portuguese Wine
In 2026, the location of the world competition. A bottle looking ahead to that stage.
2. From a wine region of interest
The regions that top sommeliers are currently watching.
3. A wine that moved me
An unforgettable bottle etched in memory.
*Because the tasting will be done blind, each wine will be delivered with its label hidden.
■ Event Information
Date & Time: July 19 (Sun) 18:00 - 20:00
https://vnts.shop/lpc/live-20260719_ig
Includes 6 mini wine bottles (100ml or 50ml)
*Held online via Zoom
*It's okay if you can't make it on the day! A recorded video will be distributed later.
See details
■ Instructor Introductions
Taku Iguro
Representative Director, Tokyo Sommelier Guild
Founder, Tactical Wine Consultant LLC.
Born in Los Angeles, USA.
Started his career as a bartender in Okinawa, gaining experience in various settings such as wine bars, bistros, and restaurants.
Won the All Japan Best Sommelier Competition in 2020.
Established a wine consulting company in 2023, engaging in a wide range of activities including restaurant support, human resource education, seminars, and promotions.
His strength lies in providing practical proposals, leveraging the hospitality cultivated on the front lines and an international perspective.
〈Main Activities & Awards〉
Restaurant Group H, Beverage Director (Tosenkaku, Ippei Hanten★, Meijaku★★★, Hakunei★, Kanshin)
J.S.A. All Japan Best Sommelier Competition Winner (2020)
A.S.I. Asia Oceania Competition Japan Representative (2018, 2022)
Corporate Advisor / Consultant (TRANSIT HOLDINGS, VINOTERAS, WINE BANK, etc.)
Winery Advisor (Black Chalk, etc.)
Wataru Iwata
A top sommelier representing Japan, active on the world stage.
He has achieved numerous results in domestic and international competitions, including winning the All Japan Best Sommelier Competition and the Asia Oceania Competition.
Currently serving as a sommelier at THE THOUSAND KYOTO, a luxury hotel in Kyoto, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation and developing wine culture while working on the front lines every day.
He is scheduled to participate as the Japanese representative in the World Best Sommelier Competition in 2026.
He is truly a sommelier currently competing on the world stage.
〈Main Awards〉
2017: Winner of the 8th All Japan Best Sommelier Competition
2018: Winner of the 4th ASI Asia Oceania Best Sommelier Competition
2019: Participated as the Asia Oceania representative in the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2019 in Antwerp, Belgium, advancing to the semi-finals
2020: Received the Best Sommelier Award at Gault & Millau 2020
2021: Winner of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2021
2023: Participated as the Japanese representative in the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2023 in Paris, France, advancing to the semi-finals and placing 5th in the world
2026: Selected as the Japanese representative for the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2026 scheduled to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, and will participate in the main tournament
See details
Wine Energy Co., Ltd.
Vinoteras
〒102-0093 12th Floor, Kojimachi Ichihara Building, 1-1-8 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
[Phone] 03-6268-9683 (Weekdays 9:00-18:00)
[URL] https://school.vnts.jp/
[E-Mail] info@vnts.shop
[Business Hours] Weekdays 9:00-18:00 (excluding weekends, holidays, year-end/new year, etc.)
Japan's Best Sommelier Competition winners, Taku Iguro and Wataru Iwata, will hold a one-night-only special talk event!
This special talk is not just a conversation.
They will each bring their own wines and conduct a blind tasting on the spot.
Pay attention to the tasting comments of the top sommeliers and the items they have personally selected!
We will also deliver wines to you in a blind format♪
Please apply!
See details
■ Blind Wine Themes
1. Portuguese Wine
In 2026, the location of the world competition. A bottle looking ahead to that stage.
2. From a wine region of interest
The regions that top sommeliers are currently watching.
3. A wine that moved me
An unforgettable bottle etched in memory.
*Because the tasting will be done blind, each wine will be delivered with its label hidden.
■ Event Information
Date & Time: July 19 (Sun) 18:00 - 20:00
https://vnts.shop/lpc/live-20260719_ig
Includes 6 mini wine bottles (100ml or 50ml)
*Held online via Zoom
*It's okay if you can't make it on the day! A recorded video will be distributed later.
See details
■ Instructor Introductions
Taku Iguro
Representative Director, Tokyo Sommelier Guild
Founder, Tactical Wine Consultant LLC.
Born in Los Angeles, USA.
Started his career as a bartender in Okinawa, gaining experience in various settings such as wine bars, bistros, and restaurants.
Won the All Japan Best Sommelier Competition in 2020.
Established a wine consulting company in 2023, engaging in a wide range of activities including restaurant support, human resource education, seminars, and promotions.
His strength lies in providing practical proposals, leveraging the hospitality cultivated on the front lines and an international perspective.
〈Main Activities & Awards〉
Restaurant Group H, Beverage Director (Tosenkaku, Ippei Hanten★, Meijaku★★★, Hakunei★, Kanshin)
J.S.A. All Japan Best Sommelier Competition Winner (2020)
A.S.I. Asia Oceania Competition Japan Representative (2018, 2022)
Corporate Advisor / Consultant (TRANSIT HOLDINGS, VINOTERAS, WINE BANK, etc.)
Winery Advisor (Black Chalk, etc.)
Wataru Iwata
A top sommelier representing Japan, active on the world stage.
He has achieved numerous results in domestic and international competitions, including winning the All Japan Best Sommelier Competition and the Asia Oceania Competition.
Currently serving as a sommelier at THE THOUSAND KYOTO, a luxury hotel in Kyoto, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation and developing wine culture while working on the front lines every day.
He is scheduled to participate as the Japanese representative in the World Best Sommelier Competition in 2026.
He is truly a sommelier currently competing on the world stage.
〈Main Awards〉
2017: Winner of the 8th All Japan Best Sommelier Competition
2018: Winner of the 4th ASI Asia Oceania Best Sommelier Competition
2019: Participated as the Asia Oceania representative in the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2019 in Antwerp, Belgium, advancing to the semi-finals
2020: Received the Best Sommelier Award at Gault & Millau 2020
2021: Winner of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2021
2023: Participated as the Japanese representative in the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2023 in Paris, France, advancing to the semi-finals and placing 5th in the world
2026: Selected as the Japanese representative for the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition 2026 scheduled to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, and will participate in the main tournament
See details
Wine Energy Co., Ltd.
Vinoteras
〒102-0093 12th Floor, Kojimachi Ichihara Building, 1-1-8 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
[Phone] 03-6268-9683 (Weekdays 9:00-18:00)
[URL] https://school.vnts.jp/
[E-Mail] info@vnts.shop
[Business Hours] Weekdays 9:00-18:00 (excluding weekends, holidays, year-end/new year, etc.)
FAQ
What is the participation fee for this event?
The participation fee is not mentioned in the article.
Where will the event be held?
It will be held online via Zoom.
When is the event?
It will be held on July 19, 2026 (Sunday) from 18:00 to 20:00.
Will wine be provided to participants?
Yes, 6 mini wine bottles (100ml or 50ml) are included.
Can I participate if I am unavailable on the day?
Yes, a recorded video will be distributed later.