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The Manns Wines You Think You Know May Be Out of Date — From Volume to Quality: Where Manns Wines Is Today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