Plum wine lovers have a pretty good reason to head to Yokosuka this autumn, with Japan Umeshu Festa bringing more than 120 varieties of the much-loved drink to Verny Park for three days in October.
The event offers a chance to sample plum wines from breweries across Japan, with varieties made using sake, shochu, and brandy, alongside some more unusual flavors. Expect to find umeshu infused with fruits such as yuzu, kabosu, mango, peach, and apple, as well as varieties made with black tea and green tea. Tastings use special "Umesen" coins, making it easy to compare different styles and discover a new favorite.
Found something you like? Many of the plum wines on offer will be available to purchase at the festival's sales area, including bottles that can be difficult to find locally. They could make a particularly nice souvenir to take home from a trip around Japan.
There will also be food pairings, including award-winning plum wines matched with complementary dishes, along with festival favorites such as plum wine beer and vanilla ice cream with plum wine. A rose-themed collaboration menu is also planned for the Yokosuka event.
One of the highlights will be a limited paid tasting of Dassai Umeshu, made with Nanko plums and Junmai Daiginjo sake polished to 23%. Only 500 tasting cups will be available each day.
The festival will coincide with Verny Park's Autumn Rose Festa, so visitors can enjoy the park's seasonal roses and views across Yokosuka Port while sampling plum wine from around Japan.
