Koshu Wine: Heart of Japanese Wine Around Katsunuma

Yamanashi is a place that cannot be left out of any account of Japanese winemaking. The area around the city of Koshu, which includes Katsunuma, is known as one of the birthplaces of domestic wine, and numerous wineries stand side by side here. The white wine made from the Koshu grape, long cultivated in this region, charms with a delicate and gentle flavor.

Highlights

The white wine pressed from the Koshu grape is marked by a crisp acidity and a refined aroma, and it is well regarded for how nicely it pairs with Japanese cuisine. Some wineries let visitors observe the brewing process, where you can sample freshly made wine and learn about the makers intentions. The scenery of gentle hills covered in vineyards is itself a delight for those who visit.

Enjoying the Seasons

Autumn, when the grapes ripen, overlaps with harvest celebrations and the release of new wine, making a winery tour all the more festive. From spring into summer, a stroll while gazing at the lush green vineyards is pleasant, and each season shows a different face. Many facilities offer tastings throughout the year.

Access and Basic Information

The wineries gather mainly in Katsunuma in the city of Koshu. Katsunuma Budokyo Station on the JR Chuo Main Line is the gateway, and the area can be explored on foot or by a circulating bus. By car, the Katsunuma interchange on the Chuo Expressway is convenient. Katsunuma carries a history in which one of the earliest private wine companies in Japan arose during the Meiji era, and winemaking has long been rooted here. If you plan to taste wine, refrain from driving and rely on public transport for peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

The Katsunuma area gathers wineries large and small, ranging from facilities you can tour for free to those where you pay to compare several labels. At a sightseeing hub atop the hill, there is a system that lets you sample many Koshu wines using a special tasting vessel, and the fee for the tasting varies with the facility and the plan. Because the wineries dot the area within walking distance, combining a circulating bus or a taxi from Katsunuma Budokyo Station lets you make the rounds efficiently. On a day set aside for tasting, always avoid driving and use a driving service, a taxi, or public transport. A bottle you love can be bought on the spot, and some facilities handle shipping to other regions, which is handy when you would rather not carry the bottles. During the autumn harvest, each winery holds events and the area grows livelier still.

A Quick Tip

If you intend to visit several wineries, making good use of walking and the circulating bus lets you enjoy them safely. When you find a bottle you love, buying it on the spot to carry home is a fine souvenir of the trip.