What if sake were much more diverse than you ever imagined? On September 26 and 27, the Belgium Sake Festival takes over the WOLF Food Market in Antwerp for a weekend dedicated to this Japanese beverage. On the program: more than 250 sakes, tastings, meet-and-greets, and culinary experiences for both the curious and the discerning connoisseur.
A journey of discovery that begins with a glass
You don’t need to be an expert to attend the festival. Admission is free, but a tasting ticket is required to sample the sake: it includes an official glass, two tasting tokens, a lanyard, and access to the festival app. Visitors can then explore the booths of about fifteen importers and taste sakes with a wide range of profiles, from fruity to sparkling, as well as richer or umami-forward varieties. Tasting prices range from 3 to 15 euros, depending on the specific sake.
Masterclasses to take your knowledge further
However, the weekend isn’t just about hopping from one booth to another! Three areas host masterclasses and themed tastings focused on sake styles, Japanese regions, fermentation, and even cocktails. Among the experiences on offer: an introduction to sparkling sake, a tasting of artisanal sakes, and a session dedicated to the influence of temperature on aromas. Some activities are free, while guided tastings require an additional fee.
Caviar, cheese, and even chocolate
Sake can also be enjoyed at the table, with pairings that go far beyond Japanese cuisine. The program includes tastings pairing three sakes with different varieties of caviar, five artisanal cheeses, and even Belgian chocolate. Those eager to learn more can also attend lectures, live podcasts, and a fun introduction to the basics of sake, offered in French, Dutch, or English depending on the session.
📍 Address: WOLF Food Market, Felix Pakhuis, Godefriduskaai 30, 2000 Antwerp
📆 Dates: Saturday, September 26, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, September 27, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
