Interview with Makiko Takai: Katashimo Winery, 100-Year Vineyards and Osaka Wine

Under the clear May skies of Osaka, we visited Makiko Takai, Director and Head Winemaker at Katashimo Winery, to hear her story.

Before heading out, President Takai casually told us with a laugh, "Make sure to check out the 100-year-old vines!"
The vineyard sits quite high up on Mount Gomyosan, offering truly spectacular views.
Just as I thought during my past visits, working on this steep terrain must be genuinely arduous.

Returning to the winery, we enjoyed a tasting and had a wide-ranging conversation.

The venue was the "Heritage Tasting Room," a space that serves as both a tasting room and an exhibition surrounded by brewing and winemaking equipment from the Meiji and Taisho eras—the very embodiment of winemaking history (remarkably designated as a Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Kashiwara City).

We were treated to a variety of wines, including Katashimo Honbudo, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, Kerner, Rikaen MBA, Hanayaka Kaoru Neo Muscat & Riesling, and Osaka Dokonjo Spirit.
Particularly outstanding was the "Hokichi Wine" made from Delaware.
It was reportedly named with the wish that abandoned agricultural land would become treasure fields that bring good fortune.
It is medium-dry, with a refreshing aroma reminiscent of white flowers and a well-balanced, firm richness.

We heard that on May 14, the "100-Year Legacy Grapes and Wine Commemorative Festival" will be held.

This event celebrates the completion of wine harvested entirely from 100% contract farmer-grown Delaware grapes through an agri-welfare partnership under an agri-partner agreement with the City of Osaka.

She also mentioned that obtaining the "GI Osaka" designation through the united efforts of the Osaka Winery Association was of great business significance.

Time flew by with Makiko-san's lively and engaging conversation.

Although we did not tour the brewing facility this time (having visited before), Katashimo Winery is truly an urban winery in the middle of a town (houses were built around it later).

In every word she spoke, one could feel her deep love for the local community, and it was clear how much value she places on bringing people together in the vineyards and the winery.

With this winery visit and the Osaka Wine Festival, I look forward to continuing to showcase Osaka's wineries thoroughly on CruX.

Masafumi Nishiura
NIHON WINE.JP ★ Chief Coordinator ★
Vins Japonais ★ Special Advisor ★
Executive Partner, CruX Co., Ltd. (Site Operator)