Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2010

Tokyoites have a rare opportunity to enjoy “natural wine” at an innovative event being held this weekend in Ebisu. Festivin is billed as Japan’s first large-scale tasting dedicated to vins naturels, or wine made without chemical and technological interference during either growing or bottling. Visitors can sample over 300 wines from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece and, of course, Japan. Lest all that viniculture go to your head, the event will also feature gourmet eats from such top Tokyo restaurants as Felicita, Yamariki and Vigneri. Add to that live BGM courtesy of swing/jazz group Sous Son Nuage and blues outfit Hiroshi Takashima & the Soul Meeting, and this is sure to be a memorable grape fest.

Nov 27, 11am-3pm or 4-8pm, ¥6,800 (door). 2F Subaru Bldg, 1-20-8 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. www.festivin.com