Learning
We believe sake is a beautiful, historic, handcrafted thing that belongs on your table. When you're ready to start learning, Sunflower is here to help — with reading, illustrations, classes and a whole lot of stories.
Reading & illustrations
The Philosophical Venn Diagram of Wine & Sake with Taborly Wines
A rundown of our collaborative wine-sake tasting with local shop Taborly Wines, one of Portland's best, where we explore the philosophical intersection between sake and wine, examining the stories and people that...
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Natsuzake: a Summer wave of Seasonal Sake
Natsuzake, the compounded form of natsu (summer) sake, is a growing category of seasonally-themed sake appropriate for Summer enjoyment. Natsuzake...
The Japanese craft sake movement & haccoba's American debut
If you went to Fuyu Fest last year or attended any of our Okan Lover Tour events, you may have...
In With the New: A comic introduction to Japanese sake imports, distribution, & our labor of love
A comic guide to the expensive and complex Japan to USA sake import pathway!
Where Should I Buy Sake? All About America's Brick and Mortar Retailers
An explorer's guide to avoiding disappointment and finding bottles you really love! The best way to buy sake is, of...
American Sake: The Future of American Craft with Yoshihiro Sako of Den Sake (October, 2024)
A deep dive into the past, present and future of Den Sake Brewery in California's San Francisco Bay Area.
American Sake: Stepping Into a New Era with Dassai Blue (October 2024)
A deep dive into Dassai Blue's operations, technical, and management approach with director Kenzo Shimotori at their new brewery in...
Events & classes
Wednesday Flights
Curated bi-weekly flights to explore a select subject. Club members save 20% and can browse the worksheet archives anytime.
SUN101 + 201
A beyond-the-basics look at styles, labels, production, tasting, service, handling and history for the hospitality professional. Taught by Nina Murphy, with a 1:1 tutoring session per student. Taught annually in Spring. Next: May 2027.
Private Classes
Sunflower endeavors to serve as a sake school and mentor to Portland's aspiring sake professionals & enthusiasts. Book a private session tailored to you & your team.
Monthly club archives
SEP 26: Dissecting terroir with Chiyo Shuzo & Fujii Shuzo- a philosophical take
JULY 26: A Musical Moment (Kirei Hachiku + Tsukasabotan Natsu)
JUNE 26: Dungeon Meshi meets Sunflower Sake
MAY 26: Izumo Monogatari, Part 2: the heady lore of Itakura Shuzo
APR 26: The Reiwa Rice Crisis
MAR 26: Sake, Spice, Molly: 3 Peas in a March Pod
FEB 26: Nova Brewing Co. Doburoku- Sunflower Edition
JAN 26: Shiga Magic- Unraveling the threads
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