JVA Free Wine Tasting: Online, Shibuya & Hiroshima

Wine enthusiasts can join a free tasting online on November 7, with tasting wines sent to participants. The in-person Shibuya session has already filled up. A separate session on December 9, available in Hiroshima and online, is intended for grape growers and wine-industry professionals.

Both sessions pair seven wines with a seminar on choosing grape varieties for a changing climate. They are organized by the Japan Wine Grape Growers Association (一般社団法人日本ワインブドウ栽培協会, JVA).

Information as announced on October 27, 2026. All times below are Japan Standard Time.

November 7: the session for wine enthusiasts

This is the relevant session for wine lovers and wine educators. Applications for the Shibuya venue are closed because it has reached capacity. The announcement still lists an online application form, with tasting wines delivered to online participants.

The map is useful for people who already have a venue reservation; it does not indicate that additional in-person places are available. For a different outing, see the separate Asoview attraction campaign guide and check its dates and conditions before booking.

December 9: the session for wine professionals

The Hiroshima session is aimed at wine-grape growers, winery staff and other wine-industry participants. It has separate forms for venue and online attendance. Wine enthusiasts should choose the November session rather than treating December as a general-public alternative.

Driving to the tasting is prohibited; use public transport. If you are planning a day away from home, our d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide covers a separate practical consideration: portable charging.

What will you taste?

The tasting features wines made from grape varieties and clones imported by JVA. Grape growing and winemaking were handled by Ajimu Winery (安心院葡萄酒工房). The lineup offers a chance to compare unfamiliar varieties alongside more recognizable names.

The program includes an introduction to JVA’s work, an explanation of the imported varieties, tasting, a questionnaire and a question-and-answer session. JVA asks participants to complete a short questionnaire after tasting so their feedback can inform future work.

Why the focus on grape varieties?

The seminar looks at grape selection as one response to climate change in Japan’s wine regions. JVA points to limited nursery-stock choices and growing challenges from changing weather and disease pressure. Its aim is to give producers more options suited to their local conditions.

JVA plans to expand its introductions to 200 grape varieties over the next ten years. Planting at its specialist mother-vine vineyard in Tomi, Nagano, began in 2024. The site supports the development of a supply system for virus-checked vines through member nurseries.

For drinkers, the tasting is a way to explore that work through the wines themselves. For producers, the separate December session places the same lineup in a professional context. These are tasting-and-learning sessions, rather than simply a free pour at a wine sale.

How to register—and what to check

1. Choose the session matching your background. November is for educators and enthusiasts; December is for growers and wine professionals.
2. Select the correct attendance form. Shibuya venue applications have closed. Hiroshima venue and online applications use different forms.
3. Enter all requested information accurately. Online tasting wines are shipped, and missing or incorrect details may prevent delivery.
4. Look for the Google Forms confirmation email. JVA treats receipt of that email as confirmation that registration is complete. If it does not arrive, check your email address and spam folder.
5. Make any changes before your session’s deadline. Switching between venue and online attendance is not possible after the deadline.

Participation is free, but do not assume every delivery detail is settled. The release does not state shipping charges, eligible delivery areas, arrival dates or tasting quantities. It also does not confirm English-language support. Check the official announcement or contact the JVA office at [email protected] if any of these points will affect your participation.

Applications close when capacity is reached, even before the stated deadline. The organizer’s full announcement is the reference for participation conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the wine tasting free?

Yes. Participation at the venue and online is free for both sessions. The announcement does not specify shipping charges for online tasting wines.

Can I still book the Shibuya venue?

No. The October 27 announcement says the Shibuya venue has reached capacity and applications have closed. An online application option is listed for the November 7 session.

Will online participants receive wine?

Yes. JVA says tasting wines will be delivered to online participants. Delivery coverage, arrival dates and tasting quantities are not specified in the announcement.

Is the December session open to general wine enthusiasts?

The December 9 session is intended for wine-grape growers, winery staff and wine-industry professionals. Wine educators and enthusiasts should apply for the November 7 session.

Is English-language support available?

The announcement does not specify the presentation language or English-language support. Confirm with JVA before applying if language support is essential.

Are there age or transport restrictions?

Participants must be at least 20 years old. Driving to the venue is prohibited; participants should use public transport.

Looking for a non-wine outing as well? The Ghibli Park exhibition guide covers a separate exhibition itinerary; check its location-specific dates before making plans.