Event Information

Discover how the right pairing can bring out the best in both sake and food at this special free sake and food pairing seminar, presented by the National Tax Agency JAPAN as part of its initiative to promote Japanese alcoholic beverages in Australia.
Held within the Sydney Sake Festival 2026, this exclusive session will be led by Simone Maynard, Sake Samurai and one of Australia’s leading sake educators.

Style & Harmony: The Art of Complementary Pairings

What happens when sake and food share similar flavours, textures and aromas?
This seminar explores the art of complementary pairing — matching like with like to create a seamless and harmonious tasting experience.
Guided by Simone, guests will taste five different styles of sake, each paired with a specially created food item. From bright and aromatic styles to creamy, rich and sweet expressions, the session will demonstrate how the flavour profile, weight and aromatics of sake can complement similar characteristics in modern Japanese and fusion cuisine.
All five sake featured in the seminar are products represented by exhibitors at the Sydney Sake Festival, giving guests the opportunity to continue exploring the featured styles and discover more sake throughout the festival.
The five accompanying dishes will be created especially for the seminar by Izakaya Mitto, a modern Japanese restaurant that opened in The Rocks this year.

About Simone Maynard

Simone Maynard is a Sake Samurai and one of Australia’s leading sake educators and advocates. Known as the “Sake Mistress”, she has spent many years sharing the stories, culture and enjoyment of sake through education, events and collaborations in Australia and Japan.

Seminar Details

Style & Harmony: The Art of Complementary Pairings
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:10 pm
Venue: Seminar Area, Sydney Sake Festival 2026
Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
Capacity: 36 guests
Price: Free
*A General Admission ticket for the corresponding Sydney Sake Festival session is required.

How to Join

No advance bookings will be available for this seminar.
Numbered seminar tickets will be distributed at the Seminar Area from 4:00 pm on the day, on a first come, first served basis.
Capacity is strictly limited to 36 guests and distribution will end once all seminar tickets have been allocated, so we recommend heading to the Seminar Area early.

Important Dietary Information

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual food allergies or dietary requirements for this seminar.
Information regarding allergens contained in the food served during the seminar will be updated on this page once the menu has been finalised.