When Tomei Wines sold its popular Motomachi wine bar to focus more on its wholesale business, owner Michael Scott promised he would someday be back with a brand new concept. Well, the wait is over. On March 31st Tomei Wines opened The Warehouse tasting room and retail shop in Yoshidamachi. The goal is to provide a rare wine experience that isn’t currently found in Japan.
The concept is to give customers an opportunity to taste a variety of wines as they would when visiting a winery. When they find the ones that suit them, they can purchase bottles to take home or drink there. The tasting room is open every Friday night from 19:00~23:00. Wine expert Yoko Sugawara, Michael Scott himself and other staff will be there offering guidance to patrons. Wine can be purchased in flights (from around ¥1500), by the glass (around ¥500~), or by the bottle (around ¥3000~ including corkage fee). Many familiar Tomei labels, such as Poppy and Ferrari Carano, are still available, but a number of new select California wines exclusively imported by Tomei Wines are stocked as well.
Tomei Wines is also launching a limited monthly wine club. Sign up for one of three levels (¥7500/¥10,000/¥20,000 monthly) to have a selection of bottles at near wholesale prices delivered to your door. Input your wine preferences on the website and they will tailor a selection just for you.
The tasting room is also available for hosting special private events based on request. Casual educational classes and pairing events will also be conducted. The cosy space has a standing bar and a few tables with wine inventory lining the walls. A small selection of food will be available for delivery by local restaurants.