Top 10 Yamanashi Wineries: Discover Japan’s Wine Country

Yamanashi Wineries Tour

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Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan’s premier wine-producing region, is celebrated for its picturesque vineyards and rich winemaking heritage.

Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo, or around two hours by train, the area is easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The Kōfu Basin and Katsunuma areas are particularly famous for their concentration of wineries, offering stunning views and a unique blend of tradition and innovation in winemaking.

With a continental climate marked by four distinct seasons and excellent soil conditions, Yamanashi has long been an ideal location for grape cultivation, making it a prime destination for wine tourism.

 

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The region is renowned for cultivating several notable grape varieties, with Koshu, a white grape indigenous to Japan, taking center stage. This ancient variety has been growing in the area for over a thousand years and was officially recognized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2010. Other international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon also thrive here, benefiting from the region’s favorable climate. These varieties, along with Merlot and Petit Verdot, showcase the diversity and quality of Yamanashi wines.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 Yamanashi Wineries that are worth visiting for wine lovers planning their next trip.

 

Discover our favorite Yamanashi Wineries organized tour, the Yamanashi Koshu Winery Private Tour with a licensed guide and vehicle, by clicking the link!

 

 

TOP 10 YAMANASHI WINERIES

 

Maruki Winery

Founded by Tatsunori Tsuchiya in the 10th year of the Meiji era, Maruki Wine holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in Japan. Tsuchiya was the first Japanese national to travel to France to learn winemaking techniques, where he was inspired by the methods of cultivation and brewing, as well as their pairing with French cuisine.

Upon returning to Japan, he focused on producing wine using Koshu grapes, a variety native to the region. His vision was clear: just as French wine complements French cuisine, Koshu grapes could enhance Japanese dishes. Despite facing numerous challenges, including natural disasters and societal tensions, Tsuchiya persevered in his winemaking endeavors.

Visitors to Maruki Wine are treated to a unique experience. The winery features a large tasting room with stunning views and offers free tastings of six different wines. The winery also provides guided tours, where guests can learn about the winemaking process from fermentation to barrel aging.

This winery offers a wide variety of labels, and here are a few that caught our eye: the Rafille Taru Koshu 2023, featuring notes of Meyer lemon, green apple, and butter; the Rafeuille Tresowis Minaminoro Bailey A 2022, with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and warm spices; and the Yuzu Wine NV, a refreshing drink with a unique fresh scent.

A delightful aspect of the vineyard is the presence of fluffy sheep grazing freely, enriching the land while producing natural fertilizer, promoting a sustainable ecosystem.

 

 

Grace Wine

Grace Wine emphasizes Japan’s unique cultural sensitivity to delicate flavors and craftsmanship, striving to incorporate the best of the country’s viticulture into its wines. The winery does not offer tours, focusing entirely on the core business of grape growing and winemaking.

Visitors, however, can enjoy tastings using Enomatic wine dispensers, ensuring that each glass is served fresh and at the correct temperature by preventing oxidation with nitrogen gas. Guests can also sample wines using a prepaid card system, allowing them to enjoy small servings from state-of-the-art tasting machines.

The winery welcomes you with a wall covered in lush greenery in spring or bare branches in winter, offering a vibrant versus grunge aesthetic.

The star of Grace Wine is its Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu“, which highlights the potential of the Koshu grape without using traditional methods like chaptalization and sur lie aging. This wine captures the essence of the Misawa Vineyard. The winery’s flagship wines, under the Cuvée Misawa label, are made from only the best grapes from the estate.

Grace Wine has gained international recognition in recent years, receiving awards at global competitions, contributing significantly to the rising reputation of Japanese wines both domestically and abroad. As a popular winery, there can be wait times on weekends, so it’s best to book in advance!

 

 

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MGVs Winery

MGVs Winery (reads as Magvis) is located in Katsunuma and specializes in the indigenous grape variety Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, both prominent in Yamanashi Prefecture. Their mission is to preserve this land for future generations while contributing to the local economy through sustainable winemaking practices.

Visitors can explore the tank and bottling rooms through large glass windows, offering a glimpse into the winemaking process. The vineyards along the Hikawa River benefit from well-drained soil and unique climatic conditions, which allow for the expression of diverse flavors from the same grape variety, depending on the location and environmental factors.

Each wine at MGVs is labeled with alphabetical letters followed by a three-digit number, indicating the grape variety, harvest area, and production methods used. Their white sparkling wine Posh is crafted from Koshu grapes, featuring citrus aromas and a refreshing taste that makes it an ideal aperitif, pairing well with light dishes like sushi and yakitori. The Muscat Bailey A (MBA) red wine, developed by Zenbei Kawakami, involves fermenting the skins, seeds, and juice together to extract color and flavor.

Visitors will find a modern, elegant tasting room where knowledgeable staff provide detailed explanations about the wines, enhancing the experience. The stunning views of the vineyards and the beautiful setting make MGVs Winery a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

Additionally, the winery offers stylish merchandise further enriching the visitor experience.

 

 

Asaya Winery

Located in Katsunuma, Asaya Winery strives to craft wines that fully utilize the local climate, focusing on unique offerings that can only be found in Katsunuma. Each wine reflects a distinct personality. At the winery’s direct-managed tasting room, visitors can shop while sampling Asaya wines. Vintage winemaking equipment and labels from the company’s founding era are on display, creating a welcoming atmosphere akin to a sanctuary.

Asaya Winery offers guided tours, requiring a reservation, where the winemaking process is explained. After the tour, guests can taste the wines made on-site, with staff providing detailed explanations. While the winery entrance and exterior may seem humble, the expansive tasting room at the back offers a unique experience. Old machinery is displayed as art, and the vineyards visible through charming windows add to the picturesque setting.

A tour and tasting set for a group costs 1,000 yen, allowing the opportunity to sample over ten wines. The intimate setting of the small winery fosters a cozy atmosphere, with classical music playing as guests leisurely choose their wines.

Labels to try at this winery include Asaya Hanatori Fugetsu Bird Blanc, a dry white wine with fresh fruit aromas; Asaya Hanatori Fugetsu Wind Veil, an elegant wine with hints of mature fruit and Asaya Koshu Special Limited Brewing Surly, a harmonious blend of deep fruit flavors and umami from extended aging.

 


 

 

Lumiere Winery

Lumiere Winery, established in 1885, is a family-owned winery located in Yamanashi Prefecture. With a rich history spanning over 130 years, Lumiere has consistently produced high-quality wines, winning numerous awards in prestigious European competitions since 1967.

Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of the vineyard, learning about grape varieties, cultivation techniques, and the winemaking process. The experience concludes with a tasting of various wines produced on-site, allowing guests to savor modern wines steeped in history.

Adjacent to the winery is Zelkova, a restaurant offering a fixed-price menu that changes every month, featuring seasonal dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Unique offerings, such as peach salad and grape salad, highlight the region’s bounty.

Labels to save and taste from this winery include the Lumiere Sparkling Koshu, made using the traditional method similar to Champagne and aged for over 12 months and the Hikari Koshu – Barrel Fermented, a limited-edition wine with rich, elegant flavors that showcase the character of Koshu; .

 

 

Marufuji Winery

At first glance, Marufuji Winery resembles a large private home, evoking the charm of a traditional folk house. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the winery is easy to find thanks to a clear sign. Marufuji produces high-quality wines, featuring both Japanese varieties like Muscat Berry A and European varieties such as Chardonnay and Petit Verdot. Marufuji Winery remains one of the oldest in Katsunuma, preserving its historical buildings while offering modern experiences for visitors.

While the winery is a bit of a distance from Katsunuma Station, it is conveniently located near the Katsunuma hub and offers parking for visitors. Reservations are required for some tours, but you can explore the storage facilities for free. In the old warehouse, you’ll find a collection of wines from various vintages, showcased with elegance and vibrance.

The tasting room, designed in a vintage Western style, provides a tranquil atmosphere. It features furniture crafted from upcycled wine barrels.

There is a fee for tastings and there are also premium options provided, featuring larger pours of about 60 ml.

Don’t miss the chance to try and purchase their Rubaiyat wines. The wine brand is called Rubaiyat, meaning quatrain. Inspired by verses about wine in Omar Khayyam’s famous collection of poems, the name was chosen in 1956 after poet Konosuke Hinatsu visited the winery and praised the wines, reflecting the celebration of wine and its enjoyment in Khayyam’s work.

 


 

 

Chateau Sakaori Winery

Chateau Sakaori Winery was established in May 1991 on the picturesque Sakaori hill, offering stunning views of Kofu in northern Yamanashi, a region celebrated for producing some of the finest wines in Japan. Château Sakaori consistently produces award-winning wines, thanks to generations of Japanese winemakers who have perfected local grape-growing techniques and use indigenous varieties that thrive in the climate.

Visitors to Chateau Sakaori Winery can choose from three types of tours, all requiring reservations.

The Guided Tour by the Chief Winemaker offers an educational journey through the estate vineyards and cellar, detailing the winemaking process from vine to bottle, and includes a tasting of reserve wines. The Guided Tour by Staff provides insight into the winery’s history, facilities, and winemaking methods, along with a tasting of select wines. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a Self-Guided Tour is available for free. The tasting area, located on the first floor, features a welcoming environment where visitors can sample various wines while enjoying breathtaking views of Koshu.

Guests can also indulge in original cakes and jams, alongside a curated selection of chocolates and snacks that complement the wines.

Some notable labels from Chateau Sakaori include Muscat Berry A Barrel Aged, featuring a medium body with a pleasant mouthfeel; Muscat Berry Cuvée Ikegawa, known for its elegance and ripe berry flavors; and Koshu Nigori, a rich and refreshing sake-like wine with the essence of fresh fruit. These selections highlight the winery’s commitment to producing unique and high-quality wines that capture the essence of the region.

 

 

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Mars Yamanashi Winery

Mars Yamanashi Winery, a renowned establishment located just a 10-minute walk from JR Ishiwa Onsen, is part of the Honbo Sake brand, founded in 1960. With deep roots in Yamanashi Prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese wine, Mars has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that highlight the region’s unique terroir, including its soil and climate.

Visitors can explore the winery’s underground barrel cellar adorned with artwork where they can learn about the history of grapes and wine. Guests can taste wines that change periodically. Free tastings are available for 5 to 6 types of wine and grape juice, while a selection of wines curated by the sommelier can be tasted for a fee. The tour lasts approximately 20 minutes, making it an excellent addition to a visit to nearby attractions.

Guests enjoy tastings from large barrels that decorate the tasting room, providing an immersive experience. The winery offers several notable labels, including Chateau Mars Prestige, Mars Rose Wine, and a unique plum wine blended with brandy.

In addition to wine, the shop sells grape juice, grape vinegar, delicacies and local souvenirs.

 

 

Sadoya Winery

Founded in 1917, Sadoya Winery is a historic establishment that also features a restaurant on its premises. Visitors can have a tour of the wine storage facilities, guided by a staff member, and reservations are recommended for guaranteed entry. After the tour, you can enjoy a wine or juice tasting, carefully selected by the winery. Sadoya Winery is easily accessible from Kofu Station, making it a convenient stop to enjoy their meticulously crafted wines.

The adjacent restaurant offers fresh wine paired with delicious food, enhancing the overall experience. The wine tastings allow visitors to sample various types, providing a great opportunity to discover a favorite. In addition to wines, there are many unique souvenirs available at the winery’s shop.

Sadoya’s Chateau Brillant wines include a Cabernet for red and a Semillon for white, both of which can be enjoyed at the restaurant. Popular labels of the estate include Sadoya Horloge, made from Koshu and Sauvignon Blanc, offering a refreshing taste and elegant finish, and Monschervin, a top-selling white wine enjoyed for over 50 years. Sadoya also produces Smoke orange wine, a trendy Koshu-based wine that has garnered recent attention.

 


 

 

Haramo Wine

Haramo Wine is a charming winery situated in a building that dates back 140 years, recognized as a Japanese heritage site. Located deep in Kubo’s countryside, renowned for its grape harvesting, the winery produces a range of wines that cater to various budgets, from affordable options to slightly more expensive selections. To reach the winery, take the JR Chuo Line to “Katsunuma Budogo” station and enjoy a 20-25 minute walk.

Haramo Wine manages 1.5 hectares of its own vineyards, alongside 4 hectares cultivated in partnership with local farmers, producing approximately 50 kiloliters of wine annually. Primarily focused on the Koshu variety, which represents Yamanashi, the winery also cultivates Chardonnay, Merlot, and Almonoir grapes.

For those with pets, the balcony area allows dining together, making it an ideal spot for dog or cat owners. An attached restaurant also offers all-day options to enhance the experience.

Among the winery’s labels to try, we should highlight the Haramo Black Queen Sparkling Red, Yamanashi’s first sparkling wine that is refreshing and vibrant; the Jaramo Black Queen 2021, a well-balanced red wine with fruit and oak aromas, aged for 12 months; and the Jaramo Almonoir ’19, a limited edition medium-bodied wine with soft tannins available exclusively at the winery.

 

 

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