Starting 2023 with Yamanashi Wine: Introducing Unique Wineries!

Happy New Year.
Thank you for your continued support of NIHON WINE.JP this year as well.

On this site, we will continue to bring you a variety of information on Japanese wine from all across Japan this year.

Our first winery report of the year comes from Yamanashi Prefecture, famous as a major production region for Japanese wine.

This area, which has good access from Tokyo, is home to numerous wineries.
This time, we will introduce 3 wineries and 1 shop among them whose individuality shines particularly bright.

Located in Makioka-cho, Yamanashi City, Sanyo Jozo was founded in 1933. It is a long-established winery with a 90-year history.
Currently, Keiji Yamada, who is the 4th generation, serves as the representative.

Its company name derives from the "San Yo Kun" (Three Nourishments) advocated by the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo, embodying the philosophy of "drink delicious wine and live joyfully."

Thanks in part to their adorable cat labels, Sanyo Jozo's wines are currently exploding in popularity.
Be sure to try the sensibility-filled wines crafted by representative Mr. Yamada!

Sanyo Jozo Official Website: https://sanyowine.com/

Next, we introduce "Enzan Yoju Jozo," founded in 1959 in Enzan, Koshu City.
With a commitment to local grapes, Enzan Wine features not only an elegant taste but also unique wine names.
We asked Representative Mr. Hagiwara to tell us about the charm of these wines.

Enzan Yoju Jozo Official Website: http://www.enzanwine.co.jp/index.html

This winery practices integrated grape growing from soil preparation to harvest while feeling the blessings of the earth together with people with all kinds of disabilities.
Winemaker Mr. Nakane aims to make wine that reduces chemical fertilizers and insecticides as much as possible, relies on manual work as much as possible, uses natural fermentation to bring out the inherent power of the grapes, and maximizes the natural sweetness of the grapes.
We explore the passion poured into local Koshu and Muscat Bailey A!

Carefit Farm Winery Official Website: https://www.carefit.org/farm/winery/

There are still many more wineries in Yamanashi. On the other hand, we also hear comments like, "I can't visit them all, but I'd like to try various wines."
In times like that, visiting a local wine shop might be the fastest shortcut.
At the long-established wine shop "Rinka," located on the shores of Lake Yamanaka overlooking Mt. Fuji, you are sure to find a bottle to your liking.

Wine Shop "Rinka" Official Website: https://iihana-sakura.storeinfo.jp/

Although the cold winter continues, in just another 3 months, the new spring budding season will arrive once again.
What kind of expressions will Yamanashi wine show us in 2023?

At NIHON WINE.JP, we will continue to visit as many wineries as possible this year to convey their charm.
We encourage everyone to visit any winery that catches your interest!