Paris is poised to get its first sake tasting salon in a bid to demystify the Japanese rice wine that is still relatively unknown to Western consumers.

Owners of Japanese restaurants Sakebar and Sola – which holds a Michelin star – will be hosting what they’re calling the first Sake Salon in Europe in June, bringing in sake experts from Japan who will lead tastings for curious French consumers.

Sake producers, distributors, and sommeliers will help European palates understand the nuances styles and complexities of the fermented rice wine in roundtable discussions, workshops and conferences.

One of the roundtable discussions, for instance, will center around sake and French gastronomy, and food pairings possible with the unexpected dinner companion.

The arrival of a sake salon in Paris comes as little surprise, given the city’s love affair with Japan’s culinary heritage. Rivaling the number of bistros and cafés in the city is the number of sushi restaurants in Paris that have popped up in response to the ever-growing demand.

The Sake Salon will be held June 21-22. Tickets are €10.