Osaka-born sommelier Yu Yamamoto won the first-ever MICHELIN Sommelier Award in Vietnam for his work at Lua, a hidden Thao Dien wine bar turned farm-to-table restaurant. We sit down with him to talk about building a wine list from nothing, the natural wine debate, and the fast-rising Vietnamese scene.

Just a train ride away from Tokyo City Center, Ishikawa Brewery is laden in history and traditions. Cellar Bridge takes you on a visit into the heart of sake and beer brewing.

Nino, 55, is Georgian by birth but spent much of her life in Russia, where she worked as a professional pianist. It was a serious career, a life shaped by discipline, by the pursuit of something internal – maybe a quest of harmony.

We got the chance to sit down and chat with the Sydney-based Master of Wine Andrew Caillard, who was there to show his latest opus, 3 splendid volumes about the history of Australian wine: The Australian Ark.

After a long ascent along winding roads to the summit of the Dalat highlands, above the clouds, a rare gem finally comes into view: Ladora Winery, producer of the renowned Château Dalat, the only wine estate that is truly 100% “made in Vietnam”.

From a vertical of vintage Port to Korean cheongju and Burgundy vodka: the off-site tastings, spirits, and what’s next for Vinexpo Asia.

Ngonista’s first conference brought together three homegrown spirits producers, a ProWine Asia presentation, and an industry panel – a homegrown, independent showcase for Vietnam’s wine and spirits scene.

Cellar Bridge was at ProWine Tokyo 2026.
Here’s what we saw, who we met, what we drank, and what we learned.

At Vinexpo Asia 2026, the UNSIGNED pavilion brought together natural wine producers from five countries – and Tunisia made its Vinexpo debut.

Our report on ProWine Singapore 2026 and the wineries we think you should know.

Minkyu poured me a glass, and I was immediately transported into a very different universe. Where the Sparkling Magpie was festive and light-hearted, I felt like the Tiger Reserve would be the ideal companion to a late night of drinking with close friends, when the time has come for sharing confidences and life-contemplation.

Inside Vinexpo Asia 2026 in Hong Kong: record numbers, the rise of Be Spirits, and standout producers from Etna to Tasmania, South Africa to Champagne.