Discover how sake and food can bring out the best in each other at two special Sake & Food Pairing Seminars at Sydney Sake Festival 2026. 

Presented by the National Tax Agency JAPAN as part of its initiative to promote Japanese alcoholic beverages in Australia, the seminars will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with a different theme and sake expert leading each session. 

Each seminar will feature five sake paired with five specially created dishes, offering two different approaches to discovering the versatility of sake with food. All featured sake are products represented by exhibitors at Sydney Sake Festival, while the food will be specially prepared by Izakaya Mitto, a modern Japanese restaurant that opened in The Rocks this year. 

Polishing the Palate – The Seimai-buai Story with Kana Aoyama 

Saturday, 12 September | 4:30 pm – 5:10 pm 

Ever wondered what the rice polishing ratio on a sake label actually means — and how it influences what you experience in the glass? 

Led by sake sommelier Kana Aoyama, this session explores Seimai-buai (rice polishing ratio) through five sake and food pairings. Taste your way from richer, fuller expressions through to more refined and delicate styles, and discover how differences in flavour, aroma, body and texture can be complemented by food.  

*Food Pack Allergen information: Egg, Gluten, Sesame, Dairy, Seafood(Fish) 

Style & Harmony – The Art of Complementary Pairings with Simone Maynard 

Sunday, 13 September | 4:30 pm – 5:10 pm 

Led by Simone Maynard, Sake Samurai and one of Australia’s leading sake educators, this session explores the art of complementary pairing — matching similar flavours, textures and aromas in sake and food to create harmony. 

Through five different sake and food pairings, discover how characteristics ranging from bright and aromatic to creamy, rich and sweet can complement similar qualities in food and create a more balanced tasting experience.  

*Food Pack Allergen information: Seafood(Crustaceans, Fish), Gluten, Egg, Dairy, Sesame 

Seminar Details 

Venue: Seminar Area, Sydney Sake Festival 2026 
Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks 

Capacity: 36 guests per seminar 
Price: FREE* 

A General Admission ticket for the corresponding Sydney Sake Festival session is required. 

How to Join 

No advance bookings are available. 

Numbered seminar tickets will be distributed at the Seminar Area after the doors open on the day, on a first come, first served basis. Each seminar is limited to 36 guests, and distribution will end once all tickets have been allocated.  

Important Dietary Information 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual food allergies or dietary requirements. 

Please refer to the ‘Food Pack Allergen information’ provided in the description of each seminar above.