Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture; President: Kengo Suzuki) is proud to announce that its sake, “GO DINER,” has won the Gold Medal in the Junmai Daiginjo category of the SAKE Division at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025—one of the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competitions.
The final judging took place in London, UK, from April 14 to 17, 2025. A panel of 70 judges from 18 countries conducted blind tastings to evaluate the entries. In the SAKE Division, 1,476 sake brands—including 22 from overseas—were submitted by 387 breweries (including 11 international ones) across 10 categories. Medals were awarded following a rigorous and impartial evaluation process.
“GO DINER” is a Junmai Daiginjo sake carefully brewed using rice from the local Uonuma area and soft water sourced from snowmelt. It is characterized by its rich aroma and gentle, delicate flavor. The sake was particularly recognized for its exceptional balance and quality as a food-pairing drink, which contributed to its high evaluation and award. In addition to the standard 720ml bottle, GO DINER is also available in 180ml PIN bottles and 100ml pouch-style packaging.
In response to the award, President Kengo Suzuki commented:
“As a brewery from Niigata—one of Japan’s most renowned sake regions—it is a great honor to be recognized on such an international stage. GO DINER was developed as a ‘modern sake to enjoy with everyday meals,’ and I’m thrilled that this message resonated globally.”
Tsunan Sake Brewery will continue its efforts to blend tradition with innovation, working hand-in-hand with the local community to create outstanding sake.
For the full list of SAKE medal winners at IWC 2025, please visit the official IWC website.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery
Tsunan Sake Brewery is a sake producer headquartered in Akinari, Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture—a region known for its heavy snowfall. The brewery uses natural spring water sourced from 2,000-meter-high mountains and locally grown sake rice varieties such as Gohyakumangoku and Uonuma Koshihikari. Embracing the concept “Brew for Future – Brewing a Future of Harmony,” the brewery practices sustainable and nature-integrated sake making. In 2025, Tsunan Sake Brewery was awarded First Prize (Governor of Niigata Award) at the 2024 Echigo-style Sake Brewing Technology Championship.
https://tsunan-sake.com/
