Okayama

GRAPE SHIP

岡山県倉敷市

PROFILE

Official Website

OFFICIAL WEBSITEgrapeship.jp

Legal name: GRAPE SHIP株式会社
Location: 〒7100261 岡山県倉敷市船穂町船穂7153-1
Representative: 松井一智
Region: 岡山エリア — 岡山県
Email: grapeship.home@gmail.com

ABOUT

From Muscat of Alexandria grapes grown in Funao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture,

GRAPE SHIP is a winery making natural wine.

FEATURE STORY

About the Winery

When GRAPE SHIP set out to build its winery, there was one strong wish: to make wood the principal building material. The grapes are born from the Setouchi sun and the land of Funao, and the wine made from them had to be created not in an inorganic building, but in a place surrounded by the warmth of wood. The exterior carries the same intention. Because we will continue living in this land where the breath of nature can be felt, we wanted the winery to blend into the surrounding mountains. Two tones of wood were arranged at random so the building would not disturb the beautiful landscape. This is both the place where GRAPE SHIP began and an irreplaceable base from which we hope to send wonderful wines into the world for many years to come. There is no substitute for this place. That is why the winery at our core was designed to live in harmony with Funao.

The Land of Funao

The soil is neither loose and sandy nor sticky, but somewhere in between: a friable, well-drained sandy loam. Yields are never especially high, but the grapes that do ripen are delicious, with sweetness, aroma and flavor densely concentrated in each berry. Okayama Prefecture receives so little rain that it is known as the “Land of Sunshine,” and both its sunshine duration and light intensity rank among the best in Japan. Few places are better suited to growing table grapes. Grapes raised on airy, south-facing hills overlooking the Seto Inland Sea are truly exceptional. It is precisely because of this land and the blessing of the Setouchi sun that grapes unlike any others can be born here.

—Destined to Meet Muscat of Alexandria—

After working as a chef and traveling to France, I encountered winemaking almost as if I had been led to it. Looking back now, I cannot help feeling that putting down roots here in Funao was inevitable. After returning to Japan I went back into the food and restaurant world, but I could not forget wine—and ultimately grapes themselves. Unable to sit still, I immediately applied when I saw a call for new farmers in Funao. That was my fateful encounter with Muscat of Alexandria. My days with the companion to which I would devote my life began here. Muscat of Alexandria is a grape that is delicious both as fresh fruit and as wine. I believe that by communicating its appeal, we can pass the baton on to the next generation.

The Voyage of GRAPE SHIP

It is only because so many people have supported GRAPE SHIP that we have been able to set out on a new voyage. We want to face grape growing and winemaking with sincerity, never forgetting our gratitude to everyone around us. To keep making delicious grapes and wine, and to keep delivering them—that, we believe, is the best way we can give back.

Rosé Sparkling Wine “朱 2020” (SHU vin 2020)

Muscat of Alexandria grown in Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, is blended with Syrah to create this rosé sparkling wine.\n\n[Muscat of Alexandria 70%]\n\n[Syrah 30%]\n\nVolume 750ml\n\nAlcohol 10%

PHOTOS ／ 4

PHOTO — NIHONWINE.JP editorial

VARIETIES / WINE FACTS

GRAPES: Not Available
Muscat of Alexandria

NEARBY WINERIES

SOURCE — NIHONWINE.JP editorial