Learning
Sake belongs on your table. When you want to learn more, we have reading, illustrations, classes and plenty 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!
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...
Traveling in Morioka, Iwate
Two Autumns in a row we've visited the far Northern city of Morioka in Iwate prefecture, and I have to...
Events & classes
Wednesday Flights
A themed flight every other Wednesday.
Browse past flight sheetsSUN101 + 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
OCT 26: A Newsletter from PDX Sake HQ- Many directions, many feelings
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
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