Select Page
In partnership with Serendipity, the following sakes are available in the Texas market.

October marks the beginning of sake brewing season, a time when Japan celebrates its national drink through festivals, special releases, and the cooler months that allow for sake production to thrive. And just in time to pay homage to the dynamic sake portfolio we have built in partnership with East West Wine Trading, we are thrilled to introduce Serendipity’s newest state-wide Sake Specialist: Chris Melton. An avid advocate for educating and making connections over sake, especially when it involves wine-lovers, Chris is a font of knowledge. Join Chris for an energetic video series on what you should know about sake, plus four expressions that represent key differences in sake styles.

Five Things To Know About Sake

Are you beginning your trek into sake? Do you need a refresh on why you fell in love with it to begin with? Chris breaks down five basics to know about sake wherever you are in your journey. Hint: If you love wine, this beverage category is definitely for you.

Sake Expression #1: Imayo Tsukasa Black Junmai

Prefecture: Niigata
Rice: Go Hyaku Mangoku

The Imayo Tsukasa brewery has been around since 1767, but today is recognized as one of the most modern brewers of its time. Here, Chris explains the difference between casual table sake and Imayo Tsukasa’s Black Junmai. Limited ingredients, snowmelt water, and a specific varietal of rice each plays an important role in conveying the Junmai classification. Fun fact: ‘Junmai’ literally means “pure rice”.

Sake Expression #2: Benten Sawane Junmai Ginjo

Prefecture: Yamagata
Rice: Dewanosato and NF-KA (a Yamagata proprietary rice)

The name of this sake derives from ‘Benten’, the Buddhist Goddess of dance, and ‘Sawane’, a combination of characters that illustrates the Yamata prefecture: ‘mountain’, ‘wing’ and ‘harmony’ or ‘sound’. A key element of Benten Sawane Junmai Ginjo is its use of softer water, which lends itself to a more delicate flavor profile and a crisp, clean finish.

Sake Expression #3: Echigozakura Daiginjo

Prefecture: Niigata
Rice: Yamada Nishiki

When a Daiginjo enters the chat, that’s the moment we know the amount of ingredients allowed in a sake grows to include an extra, fifth component. Chris explains this core difference using Echigozakura Daiginjo.

Sake Expression #4: Takachiyo 59 Chapter 10

Prefecture: Niigata
Rice: 22.5% Aiyama, 77.5% Ipponjime

The Takachiyo 59 series finds its way to the Texas market around this time every year as a special, limited release. With ten bottles in the collection, each named with a ‘chapter’, these raw, unpasteurized sakes focus on single rice cultivars that create distinct flavor profiles. Chris hones in on Chapter 10, a combination of Chapters 1 and 2, while giving a clear explanation of what it means to be labeled a “Muroka Nama Genshu.”

These four sakes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the varied, vibrant offerings available in our sake portfolio. Whether you’re a novice or a no-nonsense sake expert, there’s something for everyone…

More From the Blog:

Sustainability in Every Sip: Why Cantina Orsogna is the Earth Month Pick for Wine Buyers

This Earth Month, we’re spotlighting a winery that’s redefining what it means to farm with intention. From their wild, mountainous vineyards in Abruzzo, Cantina Orsogna crafts wines that are as deeply rooted in sustainability as they are in tradition. With organic and biodynamic practices at their core—and a mission that extends beyond the bottle—this is a producer whose values you can taste. Read on to discover three standout selections perfect for your Earth Month lineup.

Spotlight on Women in Wine: A Conversation with Importer Marta Plana

Bringing Spain’s most exciting wines to American tables is no small feat, but Marta Plana Mier has made it her mission. As the founder of The Winetones and U.S. Manager of Vintae, she has spent years championing bold, dynamic producers and reshaping how Spanish wines are enjoyed in the U.S. In this interview, Marta shares her journey from Penedès to the U.S. market, the challenges and rewards of wine importing, and the rising role of women in the industry.

Spotlight on Women in Wine: A Conversation with Importer Lia Tolaini-Banville

From launching her own labels in Tuscany to expanding a global portfolio of top-tier producers, Lia has built one of the most respected women-owned wine import companies in the U.S. But success didn’t come without challenges. In this interview, she shares the pivotal moments, the lessons learned, and the producers who continue to drive her passion. Read on to discover how Lia continues to shape the industry, one bottle at a time.

Rooted In Oregon: Willamette Wines for a Next Level Program

Discover the diverse and dynamic wines of the Willamette Valley, where history, sustainability, and innovation converge. From biodynamic pioneers to legacy vineyards with rare, own-rooted vines, these producers are redefining what Oregon wine can be. Whether you’re drawn to bold Pinot Noirs, textured whites, or old-school techniques, this deep dive into Willamette’s AVAs will have you reaching for a glass.

Serendipity Wines Names Don Hamilton as President – Texas

New leadership, same commitment to excellence: we’re pleased to announce that Don Hamilton has been promoted to President of Serendipity Wines – Texas, where he’ll continue driving our growth and upholding our commitment to exceptional service. With nearly 30 years in the wine industry and a deep understanding of supplier and customer relationships, Don is the perfect leader to take us into this next chapter. Learn more about his journey, leadership vision, and what this means for the future of fine wine distribution in Texas.

Serendipity Wines Launches National Accounts Division Led by Holly Lewis as Vice President

Serendipity Wines is thrilled to announce the launch of its new National Accounts division, led by Holly Lewis as Vice President. With over 27 years of wine industry expertise, Holly will drive strategic partnerships with national on-premise and retail chains, delivering exceptional value and fostering meaningful growth. This initiative, along with the promotion of Hutch Hill to Chief Commercial Officer, reflects Serendipity’s commitment to innovation and enhanced service for its partners. Discover how these leadership changes are shaping the future of Serendipity Wines!

Serendipity Wines Promotes Jay Akin to Vice President of Sales for California

Serendipity Wines proudly promotes Jay Akin to Vice President of Sales for California. With over 20 years of wine industry experience, Jay brings a unique blend of hospitality expertise and market-building success to his new role. He will focus on fostering stronger partnerships with customers and suppliers while empowering the California sales team to thrive. Read more about Jay’s vision for growth and how Serendipity Wines continues to lead the way in premium wine and spirits distribution.

Beyond The Buzz with Ghia

For Mélanie Masarin, founder and CEO of Ghia, a great drink is about connection and shared moments. Inspired by her South of France upbringing, Mélanie created Ghia to reimagine the drinking experience—without alcohol. In this interview, she shares how Ghia’s bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors and thoughtful design are reshaping the non-alcoholic beverage market and fostering togetherness in every sip.

Meet the Best of 2024!

What do Decanter, Robert Parker and James Suckling all have in common? In 2024, they showered bottle after bottle of our wines with 95+ scores and awards. Click to see our year in review of top scoring brands and the bottles that made us fall in love with them.

Holiday Pairing Guide – Texas Edition

What do the professionals reach for when they’re not working? We asked Serendipity’s Texas Sales Teams to weigh in on their favorite bottles, plus their secret-weapon pairings for a full-proof foodie get-together.

Holiday Pairing Guide – California Edition

What do the professionals reach for when they’re not working? We asked Serendipity’s California Sales Teams to weigh in on their favorite sparklers and spirits, plus their secret-weapon pairings for a full-proof foodie get-together.

Fall Playlist: Meet the Makers!

Serendipity is back at it again and taking our portfolio on a tour of Texas! Next week we’ll be hosting our Fall Playlist trade shows in San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas. At this year’s highly anticipated events, we are thrilled to showcase a distinguished...

Of Worms and Wine: Frey Vineyards’ Innovative Water Reuse System

At Frey, they’re no stranger to including animals in holistic land management. This Organic Harvest Month, find out how Frey is utilizing these wriggly little critters to sustainably manage their water filtration alongside BioFiltro.