DC Sake cō Hosts Kanpai! to Sake Day In D.C. at Love, Makoto

World Sake Day, celebrated every year in October, marks the traditional start of the sake brewing season in Japan. More than a calendar milestone, World Sake Day honors the rich history, craft and cultural significance of sake—a drink deeply woven into Japanese rituals, cuisine and daily life.

Four years ago, Reiko Hirai, a Japanese national and owner of D.C. Sake cō, launched Kanpai! to Sake Day in DC—the first celebration of its kind in Washington, D.C.—to invite the community to be part of this global sake tradition. Her vision was to create a welcoming space where both sake lovers and the sake-curious could explore an exceptional variety of sake styles, learn directly from expert brewers and sommeliers, and connect with one another in a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Kanpai! to Sake Day in DC is that you can order any sake you enjoy at the event through D.C. Sake cō with a special 10% discount so you can continue enjoying it at home. Kanpai!

Ticket price includes a 20% service charge, 100% of which is distributed to service team members. All tickets are non-refundable. No cancellations. Parking is available under 250 Massachusetts Ave. NW, accessed at 3rd and G Streets NW. This event is 21+ only.

GENERAL ADMISSION

$100 per ticket + tax

• From 12-4 pm, the entire food hall is turned into a sake tasting pavilion.


• Taste 100+ diverse sakes and meet DC’s passionate sake community.


• Enjoy bites from Love, Makoto, a Japanese culinary collection.


• Experience access to passionate sake-industry experts offering insights.

VIP ADMISSION

$178 per ticket + tax

• General Admission experience plus:


• An 11 a.m. seated lunch and guided pairing with expert Jessica Joly-Crane.


• Jessica, the first Miss Sake USA, offers behind-the-scenes brewery stories.


• Savor dishes from internationally renowned Chef Makoto Okuwa.

LUXE VIP WITH IWA SAKE

$220 per ticket + tax

• General Admission experience plus:


• A 2 p.m. seated lunch and guided pairing with IWA expert Brenton Blanchard.


• Learn how former Dom Pérignon visionary transformed sake-making at IWA.


• A unique opportunity to taste three IWA Assemblages together with pairings.


• Enjoy open tasting at your leisure starting from noon to 4 p.m.