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Japanese wine vs sake: which drink wins with sushi?

Spending three weeks in Hokkaido was nothing short of magical. The landscapes were breathtaking, the people were warm and welcoming, and the food was a constant adventure. Every meal taught us more about Japanese culture, traditions, and flavors. We dived deep into the culinary soul of the island. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting two incredible producers: the legendary Otokoyama Sake Brewery in Asahikawa and the rising star winery Domaine Raison in Nakafurano. Both experiences gave us a fresh perspective on Japanese drinks, and they made us wonder; what truly pairs best with sushi: Japanese sake or Japanese wine?

The art of brewing sake

Sake, often called Japanese rice wine, is not really wine at all. It is brewed more like beer, using rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. At Otokoyama Brewery, we learned that sake brewing is deeply connected to Japanese culture and tradition. Every step matters—from polishing the rice grains to controlling fermentation temperatures. The balance of sweetness, dryness, and umami is achieved with meticulous care. For centuries, sake has been served at Shinto ceremonies, weddings, and festivals. Drinking sake is not just about taste…it’s about connection. Each sip links you to Japanese history, craftsmanship, and hospitality.

Sake and sushi: a timeless match

Sushi and sake share a cultural bond. The slightly sweet and umami-rich notes of sake balance beautifully with the fresh flavors of sushi rice, nori sheet, and raw fish. A sip of chilled sake highlights the delicate taste of sashimi, from buttery chutoro to briny ikura. The mild acidity of sake cuts through the richness of tempura rolls with kewpie mayonnaise or a tomago nigiri glazed with soy sauce. Adding wasabi, ginger, or shichimi togarishi makes the pairing even more interesting. Sake’s smooth mouthfeel creates harmony with almost any sushi bite, making it a classic match for centuries.

The rise of Japanese wine in Hokkaido

But Japan is not just about sake anymore. Over the past few decades, winemaking has been growing, especially in Hokkaido. The cooler climate here is perfect for crisp white wines and light reds. At Domaine Raison, we joined a tasting session surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. Their wines had surprising character—fresh acidity, floral aromas, and clean fruit flavors. Japanese wine may not yet rival Bordeaux or Napa in global fame, but every year it gets better. Trying local wine while traveling is a must. It supports the region, introduces you to new flavors, and gives sushi lovers another option to explore.

Wine and sushi: a perfect twist

Pairing sushi with wine might sound unusual, but it works. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc with wakame salad dressed in sesame oil and rice vinegar feels like a match made in heaven. Sparkling wine brings out the crunch of tempura coated in panko and tempura flour. A light Pinot Noir complements grilled eel brushed with soy sauce and mirin. Rosé matches beautifully with salmon sushi topped with tobiko or massago. In fact, I’ve written another article about this topic: 10 Best Wines for Sushi. If you love experimenting, wine opens the door to endless combinations beyond the traditional sake pairings.

Why I prefer wine with sushi

Although I admire sake for its history and craftsmanship, I personally prefer wine with sushi. Wine simply offers more layers, depth, and diversity. With sake, the flavor range is narrower—delicate and umami-driven. With wine, you can explore acidity, minerality, fruitiness, tannins, and bubbles. From crisp Riesling with sashimi to buttery Chardonnay with tempura shrimp, the possibilities are endless. Wine adapts to every sushi style: classic nigiri, spicy tuna rolls with kewpie mayonnaise, or even fusion rolls topped with garlic chips and bonito flakes. To me, wine elevates sushi beyond tradition and creates a new, exciting experience every time.

Conclusion: sake or wine, the choice is yours

Our three weeks in Hokkaido taught us more than we expected. We saw how sake is crafted with passion at Otokoyama, and we enjoyed how wineries like Domaine Raison are shaping a new chapter in Japanese drinks. Both sake and wine can pair beautifully with sushi, from fresh sashimi to crispy tempura rolls. If you love tradition, sake will always be your loyal companion. But if you seek variety and layers of flavor, wine may surprise you. The best advice? Try both. Whether you make your own sushi at home with nori sheet, sushi rice, wasabi, and soy sauce, or enjoy it at a restaurant, experiment with drinks. Your perfect pairing might just be waiting in your next glass.

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?

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