About Yumi Tanabe

In 2011, I established "Wine & Spirits Culture Association", a long-held goal of mine aimed at increasing wine and spirits consumption and promoting the growth of the related industry.
As part of our efforts, we pioneered Japan’s first nationwide accreditation service of for “Official Wine Instructor”. These instructors are actively introducing wine and spirits culture to cities throughout Japan.

In 2014, I launched the first international wine competition judged by Japanese women working in the wine industry as sommeliers, wine shop owners, importers, and journalists.

I believe it's crucial to share accurate and compelling information about wine with as many people as possible to revitalize the winery industry.
Furthermore, I anticipate expanding the consumer base for wine and spirits by establishing and managing various related organizations. Through these activities, we aim to contribute to the formation of sounder drinking environment.

• Development / education / training of human resources who work as an instructor.
• Establishment /management /mediation of various kinds of organizations.
• Publication and illuminating activities of wine and spirits.
• Planning /operation / management of various kinds of event, contest, seminar and others.
• Development /sales of various kinds of goods, software of lesson programs and books.

• President of Wine and Wine Culture Co.,Ltd.
• President of Wine and Spirits Culture Association

Yumi Tanabe was born in Ikeda, Hokkaido a region renowned for Tokachi winery. Her father, Mr Marutani Kaneyasu, a former mayor of Ikeda town and later a member of the House of Councilors, was instrumental in founding Tokachi winery. (died in 2014)
After earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Tsuda University, Tanabe deepened her knowledge  of wine and spirits at Cornell University in New York, USA.

In 1992
Tanabe established “Yumi Tanabe’s Wine School” which has since graduated over 10,000 students, including numerous sommeliers. Simultaneously, became a prominent figure in the Japanese wine scene, visited traveling extensively to wine-producing regions worldwide contributing to various publications.

In 1994
Tanabe published "Yumi Tanabe's WINE BOOK" and "Yumi Tanabe's WINE NOTE," specialized guides designed to help students pass the sommelier certification exam. These books have become annual staples, serving as essential resources for aspiring sommeliers.

In 2009
Tanabe was awarded the Chevalier de L'order du Merite Agricole by French government for her contribution to extend wine culture in Japan.

In2013　
Tanabe founded the “SAKURA” Japan Women’s Wine Awards which has three aims; activation of wine market in Japan, offering compatible wines to Japanese food culture and promoting opportunities for women working in wine industry.
In addition, her expertise has extended beyond wine  to encompass Cheese and Food field.

In 2015
Tanabe was appointed Honorary Principal of School for Wine Producers in Hokkaido.

In 2021
Tanabe was appointed as a Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Hokkaido University.

In 2022
Tanabe assumed the position of President of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Sapporo

In 2024
Tanabe was conferred further honored with the Officier de L‘Ordre du Mérite Agricole by French government for her continued dedication to advancing wine culture in Japan.

Awards and Affiliations

• Chevaliers du Tastevin
• Bontemps de Médoc, des Graves
• Commanderie de Bordeaux
• Ordre des Coteaux de Chanpagne
• Chevaliers du Taste-Fromage

Publications

• Yumi Tanabe’s Wine Book
• Yumi Tanabe’s Wine Note
• California Wine
• Guide of American Wine
• All about South African Wine (2013)      etc.