Miyuki Isobe

Depicting “Sapporo’s Terroir” Through 100% Estate-Grown Grapes: A Visit to Sapporo Wine

【Exclusive Interview with Takahiko Soga of Domaine Takahiko】“There Are Wines That Can Only Be Made in Japan” — Takahiko Soga on Nature, Deliciousness, and the Future of Japanese Wine

The term “natural wine” has become widely recognized, and in Japan it has many devoted fans; wine shops and restaurants now often treat it as a category of its own.

【Tasting Akiu Vol. 3】Winemaking That Reflects Akiu’s Terroir — Visiting Akiu Winery

Akiu Winery is about a 30-minute drive from central Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, in a corner of Akiu Onsen, a renowned hot-spring destination. Since opening in 2015, the winery has continued to make wines that express the character of this place.

【Tasting Akiu Vol. 2】The Best Pairing Is Found at the Source — Discovering Terroage Tohoku

For some time, Chikafusa Mori, representative of Akiu Winery, has been developing the idea of “Terroage.” The word is Mori’s own coinage, combining “Terroir” and “Mariage,” and describes an experience of tasting an entire place—its people, land, landscape, and culture.

【Tasting Akiu Vol. 1】A Journey Through Akiu with All Five Senses, Made Possible by Akiu Inclusive

About a 30-minute drive from central Sendai, Akiu Onsen has long been loved as “Sendai’s inner retreat.” This celebrated hot-spring area has a history of around 1,500 years, yet remains close enough to the city for an easy escape into a completely different landscape.

Blind Tasting Has No Single Right Answer?! Asia’s No. 1 Sommelier Reeze Choi on How to Discover What You Like

A blind-tasting seminar led by Reeze Choi, Asia’s No. 1 Sommelier, at Vinexpo Asia 2026 filled up immediately. No wonder: the theme was Pinot Noir, a grape beloved by wine enthusiasts.

Who Decides What Counts as “Fine Wine”? — The Question Posed by Asia’s No. 1 Sommelier Reeze Choi

“What does fine wine mean to you?” At a Vinexpo Asia 2026 masterclass in Hong Kong, Reeze Choi and Taiwan’s first Master Sommelier, Kevin Lu, challenged the audience to reconsider who—or what—really defines a fine wine.

The Manns Wines You Think You Know May Be Out of Date — From Volume to Quality: Where Manns Wines Is Today

What comes to mind when you hear Manns Wines? Solaris and other high-end labels? A major producer? Affordable everyday wine? Depending on the person, the image may be very different. A press dinner in Tokyo offered a chance to update that picture.

This article is not yet available in English.

【Part 2】Hot Springs and Wine: A Stay-at-the-Winery Experience at Domaine de Yunohara

Waking to the scents of Shinshu. After a morning soak, breakfast at the ryokan is a Japanese set meal made with local Shinshu ingredients, served in a private dining room just as dinner was the night before. The rice is excellent, and guests can also begin with a gentle bowl of rice porridge.

【Part 1】Hot Springs and Wine: A Stay-at-the-Winery Experience at Domaine de Yunohara

Oiwakeya Ryokan in the Utsukushigahara Onsen area of Matsumoto, Nagano, is a refined hideaway for adults: comfortable Japanese-modern rooms, meals featuring Shinshu food and drink, and soft, mildly alkaline hot-spring water. But did you know the ryokan also runs its own winery?

South American Memories Meet Fine-Dining Technique at unito in Nakameguro — with Exceptional Sparkling Wines from Hirakawa Winery

unito is a popular Italian restaurant on the Meguro River in Nakameguro. It serves Japanese wine too, and the only Japanese producer currently on its list is Hirakawa Winery in Yoichi, Hokkaido.

Make Your Own Wine — Learning from the Pros at Earl Paysan Winery, Vol. 4

“Make Your Own Wine” is a hands-on program in which participants create an original wine under direct guidance from professionals. Launched last September, it is an unusual wine experience that allows drinkers to take part from the very first stages of production.

Crafting Your Own Wine with the Pros at Art Paysan Winery — Vol. 3

“Craft Your Own Wine” is a hands-on program in which participants create an original wine under direct guidance from professional winemakers. Launched in September, it is a new kind of wine experience that lets drinkers take part from the very first stages of production.

The People Who Create the “Beginning” of Wine: Visiting Suda Grape Nursery in Yamanashi Prefecture

When discussing wine, terms like “terroir,” “winemaking,” and “vintage” frequently come up. However, opportunities to give thought to an even earlier stage—“what kind of grapevines were planted?”—are actually surprisingly rare.

From a Winery in Manriki, Yamanashi: Cave an’s Winemaking That Has Mastered the Basics

Manriki, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture. We visited during a remarkably beautiful season when the surrounding mountains were steeped in autumn colors and the Koshu vine leaves had turned a striking red. Nestled in the Manriki district, the estate vineyard of Cave an soaks up abundant sunlight, creating a true "pa..." that brings a smile to anyone who visits.

Your Very Own Winemaking Experience: Learning from Professionals at Art Paysan Winery Vol. 2

"Your Very Own Winemaking Experience" is a program where you craft your own original wine under the direct guidance of professionals. Launched in September, this innovative winemaking experience program represents a novel approach where drinkers are involved right from the very first step of production.

Your Very Own Winemaking Experience: Learning from Pros at Art Paysan Winery — Vol. 1

“Your Very Own Winemaking Experience” is a program where participants craft their own original wine under the direct guidance of professionals. Launched in September, this experiential winemaking program is a new initiative that allows drinkers to get involved right from the very first step of production.

This article is not yet available in English.

The Charm of ESPRIT C. KEI GINZA: A World-Renowned Wine List Shining in Ginza

Gourmet readers may have already experienced ESPRIT C. KEI GINZA. Restaurant KE… in Paris, known for becoming the first Asian chef to earn three Michelin stars in 2020,

Promoting Japanese Wine to the World! — Heading Toward VINEXPO ASIA Hong Kong 2026 —

Next May, VINEXPO ASIA Hong Kong will finally be held in Hong Kong. Ahead of the event, a press conference was recently held at the Institut Français du Japon in Tokyo.

Expressing the Terroir of Plots and Vineyards in Wine! New "FROM FARM Winery Building" Completed! Guided Tours Have Also Begun!

Since 2022, Suntory's Japanese wine brand "SUNTORY FROM FARM" has championed the philosophy "It all starts in the vineyard." The new FROM FARM Winery Building has now been completed to further realize winemaking in line with this concept.

Understanding the Terroir of "Ono", Nagano Prefecture: KIRINOKA Maker's Seminar (Chardonnay Edition)

KIRINOKA VINEYARDS & WINERY is a winery established in 2024 in Ono, Tatsuno Town, Nagano Prefecture, by Minoru Numata, who pours his passion into wine with a lifelong devotion to the industry and a single goal: to craft the ultimate Pinot Noir.

"Natural Wine Is Living Wine": RAW WINE Founder Isabelle Legeron MW Speaks About Natural Wine

The global natural wine festival "RAW WINE" came to a highly successful close again this year. Traveling to cities around the world including Tokyo, London, Paris, New York, Montreal, and Shanghai, organic, biodynamic, and natural wi…

Bringing Refreshing Relief to Sweltering Days! Delivered from Heavy Snow Country: Housui Winery

Iwamizawa City experiences exceptionally heavy snowfall even for Hokkaido, earning an official designation as a "Special Heavy Snowfall Zone" from the government. Housui Winery, located in Housui-cho, Iwamizawa City, produces wines that perfectly embody this snowy image.

Carrying On the Passion: An Interview with Kodai Kageyama on What TAKIZAWA WINERY Holds Dear

The Sorachi region is one of Hokkaido's most watched wine-producing areas. Produced in this snowy land, wines with beautiful acidity have become very popular in recent years. TAKIZAWA WINERY is one of the representative wineries of the Sorachi area.

Right in the Heart of Hokkaido! What Is Its Potential? An Interview with Tetsuya Yamahira of Yukikawa Winery

Opening in 2021, this winery is entering its fifth year this year. We visited Yukikawa Winery in Higashikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido. Representative Tetsuya Yamahira took on this challenge after transitioning from a completely different industry.

Enjoy a wide variety of Japanese wines! A new izakaya has opened where you can savor Kochi ingredients such as "straw-roasted bonito tataki with salt" alongside Japanese wine!

A sophisticated izakaya where you can enjoy Japanese wine from various regions across Japan has opened in Shin-Nihonbashi! Conveniently located just a 3- to 4-minute walk from stations like JR Kanda, Shin-Nihonbashi, and Subway Mitsukoshimae, "Tosa Myojin" is, as its name suggests, an establishment where you can enjoy an abundance of ingredients from Kochi Prefecture.

Bottling Yamanashi's Nature! Asking Naomichi Kondo About Komaen Vineyard's Dedication!

To those reading NIHON WINE.JP, there are surely many Koshu enthusiasts among you. At the Washi Award contest held in Hong Kong in 2024, the only Koshu to win the top Platinum award was Komaen Vineyard's "Cru Nishino Koshu"...

Zenkoji Special Viewing × Nagano Wine "Drops of God" Premium Dinner Tour Was Held!

From January 24 to 26, the Zenkoji Special Viewing × Nagano Wine "Drops of God" Premium Dinner Tour was held at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture! This tour featured a special viewing experience at the National Treasure Zenkoji Temple alongside "Drops of God," as well as Nagano Prefecture's proud "NAGANO WINE" and fermented foods...

Can a World-Class Pinot Noir Be Born? — Kirinoka Vineyards & Winery —

The author first met Mr. Minoru Numata several years ago when attending a seminar he held as an educator. Up until then, my primary focus had been on "systematic learning," but listening to his talk (lecture), nothing was more refreshing than the way the world of Japanese wine suddenly came into view from a multifaceted perspective.

Enjoying Japanese Wine in Hong Kong! One-Michelin-Star "Ando" Pairing Dinner

In this installment of our series on places serving Japanese wine, we report from Hong Kong. Located on the ground floor of a building in Central, the heart of Hong Kong, "Ando" is an innovative fusion restaurant. It is a popular restaurant in Hong Kong right now that has earned one Michelin star.

[Washu Award 2024] Judging Session Held in Hong Kong!

The "Washu Award" is a contest where top sommeliers and industry professionals active in East Asia judge Japanese wine and sake. This year's judging session, marking its 5th edition, was also held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre...

[Part 2] Restaurant SAI 燊 — An Evening Indulging in the Ultimate Pairing of "Oku-Yamanashi Cuisine" and Japanese Wine

Taking its cue from being nestled deep in the mountains even among the Fuji Five Lakes, this restaurant defines "Oku-Yamanashi Cuisine" through the flavors of ingredients obtained exclusively from this globally rare location. By serving a variety of seasonal Yamanashi ingredients through the chef's meticulously crafted dishes, it is already creating a stir among food connoisseurs...

[Part 1] Restaurant SAI 燊: An Evening to Relish Supreme Pairings of "Oku-Yamanashi Cuisine" and Japanese Wine

Restaurant SAI 燊 opened on the shores of Lake Saiko in June this year. Drawing from the fact that this area is deep in the mountains even among the Fuji Five Lakes, it defines the flavors of ingredients that can only be sourced in this globally rare location as "Oku-Yamanashi Cuisine," featuring a wide variety of seasonal ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture...

Not Just Wine! The Charm of Yamanashi Olives — Fuefuki Olive Oil Maedaya

It goes without saying that Yamanashi Prefecture is Japan's largest wine region. Naturally, its grape production is also the highest in Japan. Other fruits, such as peaches and cherries, are also famous. But did you know that high-quality olives are produced in Yamanashi Prefecture as well?

Right by Shibuya Station! Drink, buy, and enjoy Japanese wine! ~WINE SHOP nico Shibuya~

Shibuya Station is a major hub terminal with a daily passenger count of over 160,000, surrounded by numerous station buildings. While it goes without saying that it is a convenient station for transit and shopping, there are naturally plenty of options when it comes to wine shops as well.

Wine, Grappa, and Dining! So Much to Enjoy at Naka-Izu Winery Hills

Naka-Izu Winery Hills is located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Set on vast grounds, its grand chateau boasts an imposing presence reminiscent of Bordeaux.

An Outstanding Selection of Japanese Wine and Japanese Cheese! WINE MARKET PARTY (Ebisu)

Located in Yebisu Garden Place, WINE MARKET PARTY is widely known as a wine shop trusted and frequented by wine lovers.

The Evolution of Japan’s Oldest Existing Winery, Maruki Winery! Today After Its Renewal!

Maruki Winery was founded in 1891 by Ryuken Tsuchiya after he returned from studying winemaking in France. It is said to be Japan’s oldest existing winery.

Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery Strengthens Its Focus on Koshu! Also Wins Top Award at DWWA!!

Based on the concept of "Water, Soil, and People," Suntory's Tomi no Oka Winery crafts Japanese wine with a story. In September 2022, the brand was revamped under the name "SUNTORY FROM FARM."

A Land Destined for Sake Brewing: The Story Behind SAKE and Wine Crafted by Sasaichi Sake Brewery

Along the Koshu Kaido highway heading from Tokyo to Yamanashi, past Sasago Pass, Sasaichi Sake Brewery boasts over 360 years of history in Sasago-cho, a town that once flourished as a post station. Originally operating under the house name "Hanadaya," it remarkably began brewing sake back in 1661 and is today the only sake brewery in Otsuki City.

[Megmilk Snow Brand "Cheese Club" Collaboration] By Budget! Entertaining with Easy-to-Find Cheeses and Japanese Wine

When drinking wine, cheese is the natural choice! Cheese is likely one of the first foods that comes to mind for many people as something that pairs well with wine. Recently, a wide variety of cheeses from around the world have become available for purchase in Japan as well.

Weddings Where You Can Enjoy Japanese Wine! Take and Give Needs Co., Ltd.'s Commitment

A wedding is a joyous and special day, not only for the bride and groom at the center of the celebration, but also for their relatives and attending guests. As an item fitting to grace the table on such a celebratory occasion, wine is truly an essential.

Japanese Wine Featured at Hong Kong Food & Beverage Industry Trade Show! RESTAURANT and BAR HONG KONG Report!!

“RESTAURANT & BAR HONG KONG 2023” is a major trade show bringing together Hong Kong's food and beverage industry professionals. Held at Hong Kong's largest convention center, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Hong Kong Convention a…

Hong Kong Washu Awards 2023 — Award Ceremony Report —

The Hong Kong Washu Awards is a wine competition designed to raise awareness of "Japanese wine" primarily in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. Marking its fourth year, the judging took place on August 16, followed by the announcement of the results and the award ceremony in Hong Kong on September 6.

World-Astonishing Quality! An Interview with Takashi Yokomachi of Vinoble Vineyard

Shortly after opening its winery in 2021, Vinoble Vineyard in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, shot to fame when its Sauvignon Blanc was awarded best in the world at the IWSC (Gold, 95 points).

A Light Bringing Radiance to Japanese Wine Culture: Visiting Lumiere

Located in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Lumiere is a historic winery established 138 years ago in 1885. It was originally founded in 1885 by Tokuyoshi Furiya as "Furiya Brewery."

Asking Hideaki Koyama! The Secret Behind Rue de Vin's Delicious Wines and Its Future

Rue de Vin—a winery whose name means "Wine Street" in French. For many people, its wines are among the first that come to mind when thinking, "I want to drink a delicious Sauvignon Blanc!" And for good reason.

Prioritizing the Growing Environment to Achieve Natural Winemaking — Musashi Winery

Musashi Winery is located in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, about an hour from Ikebukuro Station. It has a stellar reputation for making exceptionally delicious wine with Shokoshi grapes. We interviewed representative Yuzo Fukushima about his dedication to viticulture and winemaking.

Learning Wine and Food "Pairing" – Spring in the South of France

Hello everyone. I am Miyuki Isobe — Wine, Food, and People. Usually, I enjoy experimenting at my daily dining table, pairing seasonal ingredients with various Japanese wines through trial and error. However, this time I attended a course hosted by a wine school to learn "pairing as taught by a wine school"...

Aiming to Further Enhance Value Through Proprietary Quality Assurance: Katsunuma Wineries Club Quality Examination Committee

Katsunuma in Yamanashi Prefecture is a leading wine region known to many. It is also famous for its history in the Meiji period, when Ryuken Tsuchiya and Masanari Takano traveled to France to learn winemaking techniques, after which the first authentic wine made from Koshu was produced following their return to Japan.

Creating a Culture That Values Living Things ~Winemaking at IKKA WINES (Ikka Farm)~

In July 2020, fruit orchard Ikka Farm was established in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture. Because the wines of IKKA WINES, crafted from grapes grown there, are truly distinctive and delicious, and their initiatives are deeply fascinating, we spoke with grower Makoto Ito.

Founded in 1924! The Evolution of a Long-Established Winery: Haramo Wine

Katsunuma in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is home to a row of historic wineries. Among them, we paid a visit to Haramo Wine, a truly long-established producer founded in 1924. The name Haramo Wine stems from the fact that this area was once known as "Hara," and the head of the family historically inherited the name Mozaemon across generations, giving rise to "Haramo"...

A Historic and Precious Winery Beloved by Locals: Ushiku Chateau Today

Located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ushiku Chateau is Japan's first full-scale wine winery constructed. Its story of shaping Japanese wine culture has been recognized as a Japan Heritage, and its winemaking equipment from that time is also designated as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Exploring the History of Japanese Wine: The Beginnings of Japanese Wine in Ibaraki and Yamanashi

When speaking of the history of Japanese wine, the story of two young men from Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture—Ryuken Tsuchiya and Masanari Takano—traveling to France to study winemaking and later returning to produce authentic wine in Koshu is well known. Many may also think of Zenbei Kawakami from Niigata Prefecture, who bred indigenous Japanese grape varieties.

Enjoy Both Beer and Wine! A Winery in Ibaraki Prefecture ~ Mugi to Budo Ushiku Brewery ~

Just under an hour from Ueno Station, I heard there was an interesting winery in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, so I paid them a visit. When people think of wineries close to Tokyo, Yamanashi Prefecture usually comes to mind, but Ushiku in Ibaraki Prefecture is actually another winery location that is easily within visiting distance.

How to Choose?! Recommended Wines to Bring According to the Occasion

How do you choose wines to bring to a friend's home party or give as a gift? Choosing a wine to bring along is often said to be surprisingly difficult, not only for those who don't usually drink wine, but even for wine lovers. This time, I'll share what I keep in mind when selecting...

For a Sophisticated Night of Wine! A Guide to the Renewed "W Aoyama"

Recently, W AOYAMA -The Cellar & Grill- has been quietly becoming a topic of conversation among discerning adults who know the Aoyama area well. And with good reason—in May, the venue reopened after upgrading its food and wine lineup...

The World's Best Sauvignon Blanc Born in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture! ~Vinoble Vineyard~

Three Japanese wines won gold medals at IWSC 2022 (International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022), announced on May 23.