From September 24 (Wed) to 26 (Fri), Niigata University co-hosted a summer school with the University of Bordeaux in France, titled “Wine and sake: the cutting-edge of oenology and sakeology.” This program invited a professor from the University of Bordeaux as a lecturer, with a total of 19 students participating (students from the University of Bordeaux, undergraduate and graduate students from Niigata University, and other students within and outside the prefecture). All lectures and group work were conducted in English.
The lectures covered research and issues across a wide range of fields, including sake brewing, brewing microbiology, administration, history, law, health science, and marketing, in addition to overviews of sakeology and oenology.

Scene from the Sakeology Lecture

Scene from the Oenology Lecture

During the group work session, participants were divided into groups of 4 to 5 members. After self-introductions and presentations of their own research, they engaged in discussions on thetheme:“Do you have any ideas for expanding the domestic and international markets for wine and sake?” Each group summarized their opinions and presented them at the end.

Group Work Session

In addition to touring the laboratories at the Sakeology Center, participants visited the Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery and the Iwanohara Vineyard, learning firsthand about sake and wine production.

Laboratory Tour

Visit to Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.

Visit to Iwanohara Vineyard Co., Ltd.

As part of the lectures and fieldwork, tasting sessions of sake and wine were conducted. Participants learned tasting techniques and evaluation methods.

Through this program, students deepened their understanding and interest in sakeology and oenology, while gaining valuable opportunities for international exchange.

Group Photo