Wine has been an integral part of people’s lives, as the “greatest gift from God to man.” Wine, which has played various roles – as part of ritual animal sacrifices, as a drink consumed to relieve fatigue and stress and regain energy, as a medium bringing people together, and so on – is now an important part of culture and the arts today.

Korea’s largest wine festival, where people can enjoy wine, culture, and the arts, is held every fall when grapes are harvested by wineries. It is the Daejeon International Wine Festival, which was launched in 2012 and celebrated its 10th year in 2021. It consists of a wide variety of events and programs, including a wine competition with sommeliers, a conference where attendees can broaden their knowledge about wine, and a wine fair where visitors can taste and buy all kinds of wine. This year, it was held on and offline due to COVID-19, with the following programs:

Asia Wine Trophy

The Asia Wine Trophy co-hosted by a wine marketing agency from Germany is the one and only international wine competition in Asia approved by the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Around 30% of some 4,000 varieties of wine submitted each year are evaluated by around 130 judges. Those that score above a certain point receive the Hanbit Tower mark, a symbol of Daejeon, and a medal sticker (Grand Gold, Gold, or Silver).

Wine Conference

The conference brings together wine experts and enthusiasts and others to broaden their knowledge about wine through various discussions. This year, the participants tasted various wines and shared their thoughts online based on the topics, “Wine Tasting and Mariage,” “There Is No Such Thing as Bad Wine,” “The Temperature of Wine,” and more.

Sommelier Competition

The sommelier competition supervised by the Korea International Sommelier Association (KISA), a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (International Sommelier Association, ASI) is held to find Korea’s top sommelier. Sommeliers and wine and beverage experts participate in the event to share knowledge and information. It is one of the most popular events among wine enthusiasts, along with the Daejeon International Wine Fair.

Virtual Wine Exhibition

An online 3D exhibition hall was set up to feature wide varieties of wine submitted by participants and provide their information. It also helped connect wineries with potential buyers and partners.

Daejeon Traditional Liquor Hanmadang

Dongchundang is a historical building built in the Joseon period that has been designated as Treasure No. 209. Here, a traditional liquor called Gukhwa-ju (“Chrysanthemum Liquor”) is made, and Gukhwa-ju and various other traditional liquors from across Daejeon, such as Won-makgeolli, were collected for a competition. This was an event held at Dongchundang Park surrounded by traditional Korean houses, and it was an opportunity for people to appreciate Western wines as well as traditional Korean liquors.

Wine in the City

This program takes place at wine shops and bars all over Daejeon. Participants can learn from wine experts and taste various wines, in addition to rediscovering the charms of Daejeon. It is a program where people of all ages can come together and show their appreciation for wine.