On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Bic Shuhan in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo,
held the "1st Producer Sales Event" in the 3rd-floor seminar room of the "Osakeya Kichijoji Store."
On the day of the event, many participants with a high interest in Japanese wine visited the venue.
Participants took their time enjoying the wines while chatting with the winemakers.
This article reports on the "1st Producer Sales Event."
Enjoying Wines from Yamanashi and Nagano
Gathering at the "1st Producer Sales Event" were 4 popular wineries from Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures.
- Maruki Winery (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Iwasaki Jozo (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Le Milieu Winery (Nagano Prefecture)
- Sun Sun Winery (Nagano Prefecture)
As a Japanese wine-related event held at "Osakeya Kichijoji Store," a new brand of standalone street-level shop launched in Kichijoji by Bic Shuhan, it was attended by "alcoholic beverage fans" with a strong interest in Japanese wine.
On the day of the event, 6 types of wine carefully selected by each winery were prepared, all available for tasting and purchase.
The distance between the representatives of the 4 wineries and the participants was close, and many participants were seen sampling wines of interest while conversing thoroughly with the producers, even tasting wines they liked multiple times before purchasing bottles.
In addition, the tasting event had a very friendly, homey atmosphere, with attendees enjoying comparing flavor differences by winery, savoring wines made from rarely distributed grape varieties, or intently listening to the producers' dedication to cultivation and vinification methods.
For that very reason, many attendees formed the ideal flow for a tasting and sales event: repeatedly tasting wines while saying, "I want to drink this wine again," discovering their favorites, and buying bottles.
The representatives of each winery also appeared fulfilled, noting, "We were able to convey the appeal of our wines while speaking unhurriedly with customers. The number of people and the sense of distance were ideal, making it a very meaningful time."
It was an event that allowed visitors to discover the current state and charm of Yamanashi and Nagano, leading wine regions representing Japan.
Introducing Recommended Wines from Participating Wineries
Gathering at the "1st Producer Sales Event" were 4 wineries that enjoy immense support from Japanese wine fans.
We had each winery introduced, along with their recommended wines.
Maruki Winery
"Maruki Winery" is a popular winery located in Katsunuma Town, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The winery's founder is also famous as Ryuken Tsuchiya, the first Japanese person to travel to France to learn winemaking techniques, making it the oldest winery in Japan.
With the core philosophy that food takes center stage and wine serves to complement it, this long-established winery continues to deliver "wines that blend into daily life and wines that color special occasions" to Japanese wine fans.
Collier de Perles Blanc Mousseux
From Maruki Winery, the standard "La Fille" series and other selections were presented.
Here, we introduce "Collier de Perles Blanc Mousseux," which the winery especially wanted to recommend.
This sparkling wine is crafted from Koshu, offering refreshing acidity, a crisp mouthfeel, a Koshu-like aroma, and a taut sense of umami.
Although "Collier de Perles Blanc Mousseux" is produced using a method called carbonation, in which carbon dioxide is dissolved into the base wine, it is said that deep dedication is poured into that process.
To better bring out the citrus nuances, acidity, and flavor of Koshu, the base wine was specially adjusted for sparkling wine.
After carbon dioxide is added to the base wine, it is left to rest for a certain period, allowing the carbonation and wine to blend and creating a sense of unity.
Soft bubbles and an umami that conveys depth.
It is an approachable sparkling wine that allows you to enjoy pairings with a wide range of dishes, from Japanese food to Western and Chinese cuisine.
Iwasaki Jozo
"Iwasaki Jozo" is a long-established winery established jointly in 1941 by 130 brewing license holders who were striving in grape cultivation and winemaking.
A winery founded in "Iwasaki," Katsunuma Town, it has an established reputation for the quality of its brand "Honjo Wine," which it has maintained since its founding.
The grapes used are mainly from the Iwai area of Katsunuma Town, a renowned wine-producing district.
This is a winery that Japanese wine fans should definitely know, allowing you to clearly sense the terroir of Katsunuma.
Chateau Honjo Koshu Kamoshi Tokiwa ni Moyuru
From Iwasaki Jozo, the "Chateau Honjo Series" and "Grape Juice Direct from the Winery White" were featured.
Among them, a bottle we definitely want to recommend to Japanese wine fans is "Chateau Honjo Koshu Kamoshi Tokiwa ni Moyuru."
It is an orange wine made by harvesting highly ripe Koshu in late autumn, where you can detect aromas reminiscent not only of Japanese citrus, Chinese quince, and yellow peach, but also persimmon and tea leaves.
With a soft flavor, rich umami, and powerful tannins supporting the body, it is no exaggeration to say that this is one of Japan's top orange wines.
"Chateau Honjo Koshu Kamoshi Tokiwa ni Moyuru" is a classic label that Iwasaki Jozo has produced for many years, but it was refined in 2019.
The raw material Koshu is grown in estate vineyards located in Iwasaki; due to cultivation conditions such as breezes blowing through the valley, even when late-ripened, not only does acidity remain, but the grapes can also be harvested with high phenolic content.
It is said that the Koshu harvested from this estate vineyard finishes into a wine that is juicy with astringency lingering firmly in the finish.
Out of the desire to "cherish the individuality of the vineyard," Iwasaki Jozo continues to make wine tailored to the character of the land.
"Chateau Honjo Koshu Kamoshi Tokiwa ni Moyuru," which fully expresses that passion, is a must-drink bottle for Japanese wine fans.
* "Chateau Honjo Koshu Kamoshi Tokiwa ni Moyuru" is a wine that won the Grand Gold Award in the Koshu category at the Japan Wine Competition 2025. It is the first Japanese wine to win this award as an orange wine.
Le Milieu
"Le Milieu" is a winery engaged in grape growing and winemaking in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
With a winery name meaning "middle" in French, it is a winery that operates with the aspiration of pursuing the essence straight ahead without resorting to superficial tricks.
Striving for winemaking that leverages the climate and natural features of Azumino, its flavors are characterized by an emphasis on elegance and finesse.
The cider made using apples, a specialty of Azumino, also enjoys an established reputation.
Libra Ryugan Orange
At the "Le Milieu" booth, the "Polaris" series and other selections were featured on the day.
Among them, a recommended bottle is "Libra Ryugan Orange."
An orange wine made using "Ryugan," the only local variety from Nagano Prefecture, it boasts a high-quality finish where aromas of medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, and lemon citrus harmonize exquisitely.
With mikan-like soft acidity and fruitiness, subtle tannins, and a faint bitterness lingering in the finish, it is a well-balanced glass.
Incidentally, it is said that "Le Milieu" is also putting effort into Ryugan out of a desire to preserve the heritage variety that has been cultivated locally since ancient times.
Efforts toward registering Ryugan with the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) are currently underway, making it a grape that is sure to draw attention going forward.
While several Ryugan orange wines can be seen nowadays, "Le Milieu" was the first winery to vinify it as an orange wine.
Be sure to check out this Ryugan born from the challenge of a young winery with foresight.
Sun Sun Winery
"Sun Sun Winery" is located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture.
Although the winery started from desolate, abandoned farmland, it has now grown into a winery representing Nagano Prefecture supported by many Japanese wine fans.
It is characterized by clean, pure winemaking that thoroughly insists on sound grapes that inherit the characteristics of the land and maintaining hygienic, pristine conditions.
Centered on international varieties, you can encounter high-quality wines that express the terroir of Shiojiri.
Kakizawa Chardonnay Naked
From "Sun Sun Winery," the "Kakizawa" series and "Sun Sun" series appeared.
Among them, we introduce "Kakizawa Chardonnay Naked," which changes the image of Japanese Chardonnay.
A wine made using 100% Chardonnay from the estate Kakizawa vineyard, the label name "Naked" means unadorned or as it is.
Aromas of yellow flowers like fragrant olive, white peach, and quince, with concentrated fruitiness and refreshing acidity.
Not merely gorgeous, it finishes as a high-quality bottle close to perfect balance, featuring umami and sharp crispness.
This Naked is said to be named after a winemaker who previously visited the winery and uttered "Naked!" when drinking the Chardonnay from a stainless steel tank.
To express the estate vineyard's Chardonnay as it is, no chaptalization is done, no oak aromas are imparted, and only stainless steel tanks are used.
It is a bottle representing Sun Sun Winery that expresses "terroir."
* "Kakizawa Chardonnay Naked" won a Gold Award at the Japan Wine Competition 2025 for Japanese wine.
Find Your Favorite 1 Bottle at "Osakeya Kichijoji Store"!
The "1st Producer Sales Event" bustled with many visitors.
Because the sampled wines could be purchased at the shop, many wines were bought.
Now, the venue where this event was held is "Osakeya Kichijoji Store," a new brand of standalone street-level shop run by Bic Shuhan, which operates the alcoholic beverage section of the Bic Camera Group.
It is a recommended shop for alcohol lovers, carrying a complete selection of "alcoholic beverage-related goods," including wine, beer, sake, liqueurs, and spirits, as well as food, glassware, wine cellars, and recommended home appliances.
On the 2nd floor of the store, there is a tasting counter where you can casually try alcoholic beverages you are curious about.
Furthermore, wines are served from a dispenser.
You can also enjoy Japanese wine. (It is said that some drinks like beer can also be consumed here after purchase in the store.)
According to buyer Mizuki Masuda of Bic Shuhan Co., Ltd., a 2nd "Producer Sales Event" is also under consideration.
She hopes that people will check the social media of "Osakeya Kichijoji Store" for the latest information on tastings and the store.
"Osakeya Kichijoji Store" is a recommended shop for Japanese wine fans as well.
Why not stop by when you visit Kichijoji?
Reference
Osakeya Kichijoji Store
Business hours: 11:00-21:00
Phone number: 0422-29-3731
Address: 1-7-6 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0004
Access
Nearest station: Kichijoji Station (North Exit) JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Keio Inokashira Line