One of the Melbourne Sake Festival’s most anticipated premium experiences is returning in 2026.

Led by Marie Chiba, internationally recognised Sake Samurai and owner of the renowned Tokyo sake bar EUREKA!, this exclusive sake and food pairing seminar offers festival guests a rare opportunity to experience sake through the eyes of one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Designed for both curious newcomers and experienced sake enthusiasts, the session showcases Marie Chiba’s globally acclaimed approach to pairing, known for its creativity, accessibility and ability to reveal unexpected flavour combinations.

Guests will enjoy five carefully selected sake paired with a luxury bento-style course featuring four dishes and a warm soup, specially created by Katsuji Yoshino, Executive Chef of ISHIZUKA & ODEN Melbourne. Together, the menu and sake selections have been designed to demonstrate how food and sake can enhance and transform one another.

Throughout the seminar, Marie Chiba will share modern pairing techniques, practical insights and ideas that guests can take home and apply to their own dining experiences.

Guests will also enjoy specially selected chopsticks provided with the support of HASHITOU-HONTEN CO., LTD.

Participants will enjoy:

• 5 premium sake tastings
• Luxury bento-style food pairing
• Insights into modern sake pairing techniques
• Exclusive pairing ideas and take-home inspiration

As part of the experience, attendees will also receive VIP entry to the Melbourne Sake Festival, allowing them to bypass the general admission queue and begin their festival experience in comfort.

With only 36 seats available per session, places are strictly limited.

Seminar Details

Marie Chiba Sake & Food Pairing Seminar 2026

Sessions

• Saturday 4 July 2026, 11:30am – 12:30pm
• Saturday 4 July 2026, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
• Sunday 5 July 2026, 11:30am – 12:30pm
• Sunday 5 July 2026, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Capacity
36 seats per session

Price
$100 per person (incl. GST)

This is a paid add-on experience. A Melbourne Sake Festival general admission ticket is also required.

Book your seminar ticket here:

https://sake-selector.com.au/products/marie-chiba-sake-food-pairing-seminar-2026

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