Inside LUNA Omakase’s Exclusive Château Mercian Collaboration

London's dining scene has long embraced Japanese cuisine, but Japanese wine remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. This September, LUNA Omakase is giving diners a rare opportunity to explore the category through an exclusive partnership with Château Mercian, Japan's oldest vineyard, bringing a carefully curated Japanese wine pairing experience to one of London's most intimate omakase restaurants.

Running from 9–30 September 2025, the collaboration will take place at LUNA Omakase, a 12-seat dining destination located on the ninth floor of 100 Liverpool Street. Known for its contemporary interpretation of Edomae sushi and panoramic views across the City of London, the restaurant has become one of the capital's most sought-after omakase experiences.

Led by Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag, LUNA Omakase follows a Sosaku-style approach to traditional Japanese dining, presenting a seasonal tasting menu inspired by the twelve phases of the moon. For this limited-time collaboration, the restaurant has partnered with Château Mercian to showcase the depth, elegance and complexity of modern Japanese winemaking.

What Is Château Mercian?

Founded in 1870, Château Mercian is widely recognised as Japan's oldest winery and one of the pioneers of the country's modern wine industry. The producer was among the first in Japan to adopt French winemaking techniques and has spent more than a century refining its craft across some of the country's most important wine-growing regions, including Yamanashi, Nagano and Fukushima.

Today, Château Mercian's wines regularly receive international recognition, helping to establish Japan as an emerging force within the global wine world. While Japanese whisky and sake have enjoyed growing popularity abroad, Japanese wine remains relatively undiscovered, making this London collaboration particularly noteworthy for wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the familiar vineyards of France, Italy and Spain.

A Japanese Wine Pairing Experience in London

To accompany Chef Tanyag's twelve-course omakase menu, Thesleff Group's Head of Wine and Sake, Michele Orbolato, has selected four wines from Château Mercian's portfolio, each chosen to complement the precision and balance of the restaurant's cuisine.

The line-up includes the Rivalis Left Bank Chardonnay, a vibrant expression balancing tropical fruit notes with refreshing acidity, alongside the Iwade Koshu Ortum, a highly limited release of just 1,100 bottles that delivers delicate citrus flavours and a distinctive mineral finish.

The Koshu Gris de Gris introduces additional texture and complexity, revealing subtle notes of apricot and Darjeeling tea, while the Mariko Syrah provides a richer contrast through layers of dark fruit, spice and refined tannins.

Together, the wines have been designed to complement a progression of dishes that may include king crab nigiri, seasonal seafood and wagyu beef sando, creating a pairing experience rarely seen in London.

Why Japanese Wine Is Having a Moment

As diners become increasingly interested in regional Japanese ingredients and craftsmanship, Japanese wine is beginning to attract attention from sommeliers and collectors around the world. Native grape varieties such as Koshu offer a lighter, more delicate profile than many Western wines, making them particularly well suited to sushi, seafood and refined tasting menus.

Collaborations such as the one between LUNA Omakase and Château Mercian reflect a wider shift within London's restaurant scene, where guests are increasingly seeking unique dining experiences that combine storytelling, provenance and cultural discovery.

One of London's Most Exclusive Dining Experiences

With only twelve seats available per service, LUNA Omakase remains one of the most intimate restaurants in London. The combination of a limited-capacity dining room, panoramic city views and a highly curated Japanese wine programme makes this collaboration one of the season's most distinctive culinary events.

For diners interested in exploring the future of Japanese wine alongside one of London's most exclusive omakase experiences, the partnership offers a rare opportunity to experience both in a single sitting.

LUNA Omakase x Château Mercian runs from 9–30 September 2025 at 100 Liverpool Street, London.