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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.
【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.
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.
【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?
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.
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,
A Journey Embracing Time: The "Stay-Style Winery Experience" at Niki Hills
Niki Hills Winery is located in Niki Town, Hokkaido. I recently had the opportunity to experience its charm firsthand. Embraced by vast vineyards, spending time while taking in the changing seasons feels like a little journey taking you away from everyday life.
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.
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.
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"...
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.
[Interview] Azabu-Juban's Aile Blanche Relaunches in a "French Cuisine × Japanese Wine" Style!
Azabu-Juban is one of Tokyo's premier gourmet districts. Located there is Aile Blanche, a French restaurant that has long been favored by gourmets.
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…
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 Closer Look at Winemaking in Kumamoto: Kikuka Winery
"Japanese wine" is produced all across Japan. Did you know that winemaking is taking place in Kumamoto Prefecture, located in Kyushu? On this visit, we toured two wineries operated by Kumamoto Wine Farm.
Vin Japonais in Singapore Part 1: Hosting a Japanese Wine Event On-Site!
The film "Vin Japonais" was released in November 2022. True to the film's theme of "sharing Japanese wine with the world," our mission to promote Japanese wine abroad is finally getting into full swing! This time, our destination is Singapore.
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"...
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.
Akita Winery Tour Part 2: Akitano Winery
As February begins, winter is now in full swing, and the days have grown even colder. In snow country, as seen in the photo above, some wineries are buried under heavy snowfall. For the second installment of our Akita Winery Tour, we introduce Akitano Winery & Garden Farm in Kitaakita City.
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.