Washington wine for Japanese sake.

Sounds like an inviting exchange, and one international business arrangement Auburn leaders soon hope to toast.

Both sides – born out of the City of Auburn’s longstanding Sister City relationship with Tamba, Japan – are close to shaking hands on an import-export deal.

Negotiations intensified last week when Shuzo Nishiyama, president of Kotsuzumi Brewery in Tamba, met with city and state officials to discuss the possibility of doing business.

Jim Wilson, owner of the Auburn Wine & Caviar Co., belongs to a consortium of about a dozen or so statewide wineries ready to ship their best wholesale labels overseas to Japan. In exchange, Nishiyama’s premium sake, the No. 1 Internet seller in Japan, and other products would reach Pacific Northwest shelves and penetrate a larger North American market.

“After seeing Auburn (for the first time), I sort of feel ‘gung ho,'” said Nishiyama, through an interpreter, Glenn Tamai. “I know something about (Northern) California wines, but little about Washington’s. That is why I am here.”

Nishiyama, who hopes to introduce the taste of Pacific Northwest wine to the Japanese market, met Wilson, other Washington winery representatives and distributors and buyers while in the Puget Sound area last week. The relationship began six months ago when Wilson

Considered an innovative brewer, Nishiyama is a sixth-generation operator of the family business that exports to 22 countries, including China. He has an international law degree, is involved in the development of a cosmetic company and remains closely involved in Tamba’s merchant network.

His brewery is well known, having produced award-winning sake from locally grown rice and natural water for more than 160 years.

Wilson is optimistic about striking a deal. He represents one of a few Auburn-based businesses that have stepped forward and established overseas contacts in a push to do international commerce.

“Discussions are going on, but we’re really excited about it,” said Wilson, whose shop hosted a wine-and-sake-tasting party with Nishiyama and other business reps last week. “The possibilities are tremendous. It’s a great, fantastic opportunity.”

At home, Wilson’s has done good business despite a sour economy, with a conservative but progressive approach to selling wine of all descriptions.

By forming a consortium, with Wilson’s immediate ties with Tamba, the Washington wine group hopes a deal can be expedited and not become mired in red tape.

“When the first bottle of wine goes out, it will be a win for Auburn,” said Doug Lein, City economic development manager. “It’s a beginning process, but this is big for us.”

The City has worked with several camps – beginning close to home with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce – and continuing with government leaders, such as U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, to promote the deal.

The sides even met up with Kiyokazu Ota, the consul general of Japan to Seattle, for talks last week. Ota, Nishiyama and Wilson discussed many issues. Ota came away supporting the idea, Lein said.

Sides also toured a Columbia Wine facility to show how distribution and sales are conducted throughout the U.S.

The groundwork is in place, the follow-through is in motion. Early signs indicate a deal is imminent.

“It’s a comfortable relationship,” Lein said. “This sets the tone. … This has a real positive way to move forward.

“It’s creating a pipeline, a roadmap for the next (local) company (to do business).”