About the Sake-Pairing Contest

What is the Sake-Pairing-Contest?

Discover with us the fascinating world of sake

In recent years, sake has increasingly established itself in Europe as a perfect accompaniment to food. However, recommending the right sake to go with a dish is as much an art as choosing the right wine. The sake pairing contest was created by Yoshiko Ueno-Müller in order to discover the many possible combinations of sake pairings and to make them known worldwide. It is organized by the Sake & Shochu Academy Europe with the support of strong partners such as the Sommelier Union in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland as well as UENO GOURMET.

Only sommeliers, restaurateurs and wine trade employees based in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are admitted to this unique and innovative competition. The participants create their individual pairings from a selection of premium sake. In the final, they then present these to a top-class jury (chaired by Markus Del Monego MW). In the end, they will decide who will be the "Master of Sake-Pairing 2022".

Last year, the sake pairing contest was held for the first time with great success. In total, over 120 exciting pairings were created by 61 participants from fine dining, fusion and Japanese restaurants. Maximilian Steiner from Austria prevailed against the competition and became "Master of Sake-Pairing".

Results Finals 2022 Results Finals 2021

Sake-Pairing Magazine

Sake-Pairing Magazin Vol. 1 (PDF)
Sake-Pairing Magazin Vol. 2 (PDF)