Discover how sake can elevate some of Australia’s favourite foods at Melbourne Sake Festival 2026.

Led by renowned sake educator and Sake Samurai Simone Maynard alongside specialist sake brewer and winemaker Matt Froude, this interactive seminar explores the versatility of sake through a series of carefully selected food pairings inspired by the Australian table.

Through three distinct styles of premium sake and three matched food pairings, guests will gain practical insights into flavour, texture, umami and balance while comparing how sake and wine approach food pairing differently.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a sake enthusiast, or simply curious about food and flavour, this seminar offers an accessible and enjoyable introduction to sake beyond traditional Japanese cuisine.

What You’ll Experience

• Taste 3 different styles of premium sake
• Enjoy 3 carefully matched food pairings
• Compare wine and sake pairing approaches
• Learn from a Sake Samurai and Australia’s specialist sake brewer & winemaker

Featured Pairings

• Premium Prosciutto × Junmai
• Soft Creamy Cheese × Junmai Ginjo
• Vanilla Shortbread & Dried Apricot × Nigori Sake

Meet the Presenters

Simone Maynard

Sake Samurai and one of Australia’s leading sake educators, Simone is dedicated to introducing sake through education, food culture and hospitality.

Matt Froude

Sake brewer, winemaker and founder of Municipal Wine & Sake. Matt specialises in helping wine drinkers understand sake through familiar wine concepts and tasting techniques.

Session Times

Saturday, 4 July 2026 | 1:30pm–2:10pm
Saturday, 4 July 2026 | 6:30pm–7:10pm

Sunday, 5 July 2026 | 1:30pm–2:10pm
Sunday, 5 July 2026 | 6:30pm–7:10pm

Ticket Information

Ticket Price: $45 (incl. GST)

• This is a paid add-on seminar. A Melbourne Sake Festival 2026 General Admission ticket is also required.
• Please ensure you select the seminar session that matches the date and time of your festival admission ticket.
• Please review the Terms of Use and Refund Policy before purchasing. By purchasing a ticket, you are deemed to have accepted these terms.

Book your seminar ticket here:
https://sake-selector.com.au/products/sake-pairings-for-the-australian-table-melbourne-sake-festival-2026