Wine and Sushi: Which Wine Pairs with Sushi?

In Japan, preparing sushi is considered an art form. Therefore, it's natural to not leave the wine selection to chance. We reveal which wines truly harmonize with maki, nigiri, and other sushi varieties!

According to a Japanese proverb, "It takes three years to cook rice properly, and another eight years to perfect sushi preparation." Indeed, training to become a sushi master is a time-consuming endeavor: Many aspiring chefs in Japan undergo a 10-year or even longer apprenticeship before they can call themselves sushi masters. So, we are dealing with a culinary art that truly deserves appreciation—and the right wine should bring this respect.

Traditionally, in Japan, sake or green tea is served with rice dishes. However, with the growing global popularity of wine, even Japanese gourmets are becoming more interested in pairing wines with sushi. But when it comes to wine and sushi pairings, a little knowledge is needed to avoid some common mistakes.

The Basics: 3 Ground Rules for a Successful Wine-Sushi Pairing

For the perfect sushi wine, it’s similar to the ultimate summer wine: It should be delicate and refreshing, and at the same time, it should not overshadow the refined dish. In short, here are some basic rules to keep in mind:

Opt for fresh and light white and rose wines

Light, stainless steel-aged wines are generally a good choice with raw fish. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Champagne or rose from Provence (Miraval Rosé, Minuty...) are harmonious companions to the dish. Chardonnay lovers should prefer a mineral Chablis over the creamy, oak-heavy, or alcoholic Chardonnays from Meursault or California.

Choose semi-dry wines with spiciness and sweetness

If wasabi and pickled ginger are involved, a touch of residual sweetness (such as Riesling Kabinett or an Alsace Gewürztraminer) is a safe bet!

Be (extremely) cautious with red wine

Red wine and raw fish is a delicate matter. To keep it simple: If you do opt for red, choose a low-alcohol, non-barrel aged wine with minimal tannins!

Which Wine Do Japanese People Drink with Sushi?

On the menus of upscale restaurants in Tokyo, you can find not only the Japanese Koshu but also fine wines from France’s white wine regions like Chablis or the Loire Valley and Champagne. You can even find German Rieslings on some restaurant lists.

Chablis – Mineral Freshness for Delicate Sea Flavors

This classic white wine is often served in high-end Japanese restaurants. Its lively acidity and fine minerality complement seafood like shrimp sushi or white fish like haddock perfectly. Chablis wines are known for their clear, steel-like structure and pronounced acidity. This pairs particularly well when the rice is less vinegary, which is often the case with sushi made from delicate fish.

Riesling: The Perfect Balance of Fruit and Vibrancy

The expressive acidity and mineral clarity make this popular variety an ideal sushi companion. A dry Riesling, such as one from the Mosel or Rheingau, pairs excellently with shrimp nigiri (Ebi), scallops, or white-fleshed seafood (e.g., flounder or bream). Its refreshing acidity brings out the sweet nuances of the seafood. A semi-dry Riesling, on the other hand, pairs wonderfully with salmon nigiri or sushi rolls with a spicy sauce, as the subtle residual sweetness softens the spice and the fruitiness enhances the fish's flavor.

Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh Herb Notes as a Contrast

Especially Sauvignon Blanc wines from top appellations in the Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) are known for their grassy and citrus notes, which pair wonderfully with the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. The variety complements maki or nigiri with tuna (Maguro), as its vibrant structure balances the iron-rich and umami-packed flavors of the fish. It also works well with cucumber or avocado rolls, like a classic Kappa Maki, highlighting the plant-based nuances. If you enjoy spicy tuna rolls, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs with their crisp acidity and tropical fruit are a perfect match.

Champagne & Sparkling Wines – Luxury Meets Elegance

Selected sushi restaurants in Tokyo often offer brut champagne. This is no coincidence: The noble sparkling wine is famously an all-rounder—even spicy notes are beautifully softened by Champagne, especially when there’s some residual sweetness. Blanc de Blancs champagnes are especially prized, as their fine bubbles and lively freshness perfectly balance richer fish like salmon or toro (tuna belly). Even rosé champagnes from famous houses are highly sought after, with Ruinart Rosé being particularly popular in Japan.

If you want something a bit less exclusive, other high-quality sparkling wines are also an excellent choice. For example, a Crémant de Loire makes a wonderful alternative to luxury champagne, as does a Prosecco Superiore from Veneto.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne & Nigiri

A single-variety sparkling wine based on Chardonnay impresses with its citrus and brioche notes and its minerality. A Blanc de Blancs pairs perfectly with dorade, flounder, seabass, or scallops, as it highlights the delicate structures and enhances the freshness of the sea. The most famous of its kind is Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, but other renowned houses such as Ayala, Billecart-Salmon, Charles Heidsieck, Taittinger, and Deutz also produce excellent Blanc de Blancs champagnes.

Brut Rosé Champagne & Tuna or Salmon Sushi

An elegant rosé champagne with fine strawberry and raspberry aromas pairs wonderfully with tuna or salmon nigiri. The red fruit notes complement the delicate fattiness of the fish, while the wine's freshness enlivens the structure. This combination is especially interesting with seared tuna or salmon with ponzu sauce.

The fact that rosé champagne is now a prestige category is evident, with not only houses with a long rosé tradition, such as Veuve Clicquot, but also other famous players like Dom Pérignon, Pol Roger, Taittinger, Louis Roederer, and Moët & Chandon with their Moët Rosé.

Light Red Wines: Pinot Noir with Tuna Nigiri or Grilled Eel

Thanks to its delicate structure and fine acidity, the low-tannin noble variety from Burgundy is one of the few red wines that pairs well with sushi, particularly with tuna nigiri or unagi (grilled eel). A light, fruit-forward Pinot Noir from Burgundy pairs excellently with maguro nigiri (red tuna), as the fruit flavors and gentle structure perfectly complement the fish’s meaty texture. It also pairs excellently with salmon glazed with teriyaki sauce.

Other Wine Pairing options

Rosé

Top rose wines from southern France’s renowned wineries are an excellent choice for nigiri and other sushi! A Miraval Rosé or a M. from Minuty will certainly complement many sushi dishes. The elegant, fruit-forward Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans is a wonderful companion to lighter sushi options like nigiri with scallops, shrimp, white-fleshed fish, or vegetarian choices with avocado or cucumber. For fattier fish (salmon and tuna) or spicy sauces, the Prestige Rosé Garrus from d'Esclans, with its complex citrus, white flower, fine spice, silky texture, and minerality, is a great choice.

White Wine

Pinot Gris and Albariño

Pinot Gris is a Burgundy white wine variety that has a nutty, spicy note and is an excellent choice for salmon, eel, or miso-marinated seafood. On the other hand, the refreshing Albariño from northern Spain’s Galicia is known for its salty minerality—ideal with shrimp, squid, or crab nigiri.

Red Wine

Gamay

In addition to Pinot Noir, the low-tannin Gamay from Beaujolais is another good red wine choice, especially when accompanied by spicy sauces or teriyaki flavors.

What is Sake?

Sake is a traditional Japanese beverage made through the fermentation of polished rice. This process is more similar to beer brewing than to wine production, although sake is often confusingly referred to as "rice wine." It can be served warm or cold and is characterized by a mild, often slightly sweet flavor. Sake is often enjoyed with sushi, as its subtle flavors highlight those of the fresh fish without overpowering them.