A few years ago we introduced you to Satoshi Kimijima, the 4th-generation CEO of alcohol distribution company Yokohama Kimijimaya, not to mention guitarist and lead singer of his own band, Mystic Waters. Last month he converted warehouse space across from his head office in Minami-yoshidacho into a wine and spirits shop with a standing bar for tastings.
Kimijima travels abroad extensively to carefully choose the best products to import, and to forge relationships with his suppliers, especially smaller, family-run businesses. While the main focus of this store is imports, domestic alcohols are available as well–and the main shop across the street has a large selection of sake. The new shop boasts a wide variety of wines and champagnes varying in price from the inexpensive to the extravagant. There is a heavy dose of beverages from France, but also well represented are Italy, the U.S., and Australia. In all, there are more than 500 types of wine, champagne, and spirits to choose from. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through making the right choice.
For tasting, there are 3~4 wines/champagnes available daily (prices may vary, but generally ¥500~¥1000). During our visit we sampled a fine Rhône Cornas (a red Syrah), an Albert Boxler Riesling Sommerberg, and fabulous Grand Cru Champagne from Pierre Moncuit. Other liquors available for consumption at the bar include 3~4 premium sake, 333 beer (¥400/can) and about 10 spirits. When we visited the selection included some interesting flavored Laplandia vodkas (coffee, lemon, and bilberry), calvados, and an Armagnac. Bottles off the shelf can be purchased for consumption on premises (must be ¥3000~, tax included) with a ¥100/glass fee.
There is also a small selection of snacks to nibble on such as kakipi (flavored rice crackers) and dried seafood (all under ¥500). The store is a little more than 5 minutes on foot from Keikyu Minami Ota Station.