Tozai, literally translated “East-West” in Japanese, is the result of the collaborative passion, skill, and experience of dedicated people from both Eastern and Western backgrounds. In March 2004, during a trip to Japan, Vine Connections partners Ed Lehrman and Nick Ramkowsky met with several individuals who all converged on a similar new idea: create a brand of super-premium, artisanal sake that is delicious to drink, beautifully packaged and labeled with original art work, widely distributed in the U.S., and all at a reasonable price for sake lovers and novices alike. After a year of diligent and creative work on both sides of the Pacific, Tozai became a reality with the first two releases (Feb. 2005), “Well of Wisdom” Honjozo and “Voices in the Mist” Honjozo Nigori.

Kizakura Brewery — the Pride of Fushimi (Kyoto Prefecture) Having produced sake for just over 50 years, Kizakura brewery is a youngster in their stable of premium sake producers. They are bound by a quest for making incredible sake, whether for everyday drinking or for high-end, special occasion sake. They built their brewery in Fushimi in the southern part of Kyoto prefecture with their eye on two things: First, Kyoto's especially frigid winters, called “So-ko-bi-e”, are ideal for creating stable, cold temperatures inside the brewery that help keep fermentation temperatures down and extend fermentation time so that delicate flavors and aromas remain in the sake. Second, the local “Fushi-Mizu” or crystal clear, underground “Fushimi Water” is well known for bringing out the full flavor of the sake.

Plum blossoms are known as the "Flowers of Peace" in Japan, symbolizing growth, renewal, and awakening, and lending its spirit to the name of this plum sake. Local, all-natural aodani plums are soaked in Tozai sake for over three months resulting in an incredibly balanced sake with tart, juicy acidity on the finish. Aromas of almond and marzipan followed by plum, apricot and cherry on the palate. The soft tartness and acidity balance the finish with a slightly sweet smoothness. Pair with pulled pork, glazed salmon, or desserts like peach cobbler.