Join us for three days of rich culinary experiences as we delve into the depth and diversity of Europe’s agri-food heritage. Through expertly guided tastings and cross-cultural pairings, these sessions explore the excellence of EU wines, cheeses and olive oils, while inviting visitors to discover their synergy with Japanese cuisine.
Deep Dives
16 May – Wines from the EU
Europe’s wine heritage spans centuries, and this session offers a unique chance to explore its diversity - from delicate whites to bold reds, each shaped by its place of origin. Learn how grape variety and terroir influence flavour and discover how EU wines can pair beautifully with Japanese snacks such as okaki and yuzu peel.
Wines featured include Soproni PDO from Hungary; organic Bordeaux Supérieur PDO from France; Gewürztraminer from Germany; Morava PDO from Czechia; Karpatská perla PDO from Slovakia; and a Pinot Noir from Luxembourg.
17 May – Cheese: A European Classic
With a tradition of craftsmanship and a wide range of textures and tastes, European cheeses remain icons of quality and tradition. Discover how herbs, spices, fruits and preserves can enhance the flavour of everything from mild to strong cheeses. Whether you’re sampling the nutty richness of Mature Irish Cheddar, the piquant notes of Danablu PGI from Denmark, or the smooth texture of Emmental from Austria, each cheese tells the story of its origin. Other featured varieties include Džiugas PGI from Lithuania, Steppen cheese from Germany, and Edam cheese from the Netherlands
18 May – Olive Oils of Europe
Take a journey through Europe’s olive-growing regions - from the sun-drenched groves of Spain, Cyprus and Greece to Portugal, Slovenia and Croatia. Discover how different varieties of olive oil can bring out new dimensions in both European and Japanese dishes.
Among the oils presented are the aromatic To Archontiko Olive Oil (Cyprus), Lisjak Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Orange (Slovenia), Azeite de Trás-os-Montes PDO (Portugal), organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain, Chania Kritis Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greece), and organic Chiavalon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Croatia).
Product Tastings
Explore a variety of creative food pairings at the EU Food Festival on Wheels next to the EU Pavilion. These tastings highlight the adaptability and excellence of EU food and drink products when paired with Japanese ingredients.
Meet Tane-Chan!
Our mascot Tane-Chan will be back to welcome guests and host the interactive EU food quiz - fun for all ages and a great way to discover surprising facts about European products.
Detailed programme
Activities and Programme:
May 16
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU wines: An introduction to the wide variety and special characteristics of EU wines.
- 13:00–13:20 - How to enjoy EU red wines in season – delicious red wines paired with Japanese snacks like okaki and yuzu peel.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - How to enjoy EU white wines in season – especially when paired with Japanese snacks.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
May 17
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU cheese: Discover regional varieties and characteristics through comparative tasting.
- 13:00–13:20 – A new world of EU cheese: Enjoy the taste of EU cheeses paired with pepper, jam, honey and more.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 – Enjoy EU cheese paired with seasonal fruits: Delight in unexpected matches like muscat grapes or peaches with your favourite EU cheeses.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
May 18
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU olive oils: Learn about different olive oil varieties and origins.
- 13:00–13:20 - A little more olive oil: Creative ways to enhance Japanese dishes like tofu and miso soup.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - Crafting dressings: Make fusion-style dressings with yuzu kosho, wasabi, soy sauce, and EU olive oils.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
Meet our experts!
Japanese Sommelier Association (JSA)
Founded in 1969, the JSA is a major professional organisation in the Japanese wine industry. With the growing popularity of wine in the archipelago, it has established itself as the leading authority in training its professionals. All certified Japanese sommeliers must pass its sommelier exam. It has a network of approximately 15,000 certified members (sommeliers, wine experts/advisors, and members*). And in a country where all business relies on networking, its influence lends significant weight to its decisions and statements.
Cheese Professional Association (CPA)
Founded in 2000, the Cheese Professional Association is a leading Japanese trade organisation dedicated to promoting cheese culture throughout Japan. It brings together experts, distributors, restaurateurs, and cheese enthusiasts with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation for cheese. The CPA organises events, competitions, and professional training — most notably the prestigious Cheese Professional certification exam — helping to elevate standards of knowledge and expertise among both professionals and the general public.
Japanese Olive Oil Taster’s Association (JOOTA)
JOOTA is the Japan Olive Oil Taster Association, a professional organisation in Japan that promotes olive oil quality and culture. They also host the JOOTA Awards, a Tokyo International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. The awards recognise excellence in extra virgin olive oils from around the world, with judging by professional tasters according to international standards.
16–18 May: European Flavour Encounters @ Expo Osaka 2025
Practical information
European Pavilion, Saving Live Zone, Expo Osaka
