Secrets of the finest wines at a hidden winery in Yamanashi

A tour of wineries in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture: the beginning of my special trip

I once visited Katsunuma Town in Yamanashi Prefecture during a break from work. This area is known as one of Japan’s leading wine-growing regions and is a gathering spot for wine lovers from Japan and abroad. Katsunuma is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and its rich soil and climate are ideal for grape cultivation, with the Koshu variety of white wine being particularly famous. On my first visit, I took the train from Kofu Station to Katsunuma Budosato Station by bus. The view of the vineyards from there was breathtaking, reminiscent of a European wine region.

The reason for this trip was a rumor I heard from a friend about Katsunuma Wine. There are more and more English-speaking wineries for foreign tourists, so it is easy to visit. First, I gathered information and made plans on the official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website (Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Official Website). The site is full of winery maps and event information, and advance reservations are recommended. I visited during the fall harvest season, when the aroma of grapes filled the town.

Katsunuma is dotted with more than 30 wineries, each producing their own unique wines. I rented a bicycle and took a leisurely tour. Along the way, I met local people and heard about the hardships grape farmers face and their secrets to wine making. For example, at one small winery, the owner personally guided us through the process from grape harvest to fermentation, explaining in detail. This experience was not just sightseeing, but a special time to get to know the locals better.

One of the attractions of a winery tour is the opportunity to sample a variety of wines in the tasting room. I tasted mostly white wines, but also red and rosé. Koshu wines are characterized by their light and fruity taste, and they go very well with Japanese food. At one winery, I experienced wine and cheese pairing, which led to new discoveries for my taste buds. Many have English explanation panels and guides for foreigners, so you can enjoy the tour without feeling a language barrier.

Looking back on the history of the area, wine making in Katsunuma began in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and has a tradition of more than 100 years. In recent years, events such as the “Katsunuma Wine Festival” have become popular and are scheduled to be held in 2025; a Google Trend search for “Yamanashi wine 2025” will bring up a lot of information on related events. I too hope to visit the next time I am in the area for the festival. Some of the wineries also have lodging facilities, so you can spend the whole day immersed in the world of wine.

From my experience, I felt that Katsunuma is not just a tourist attraction, but a place that enriches the soul. Walking through the vineyards, feeling the breeze, tasting the wine – such a luxurious time will make you forget the stresses of everyday life. If you are a wine lover, I highly recommend a visit. Next, I will tell you more about my winery recommendations.

• Don’t forget to book in advance: popular wineries get crowded, so book online.
• Be creative with your transportation: a combination of trains and buses is a great way to get around. Renting a car is also recommended.
• Choose the right season: Autumn is the best time to visit during the harvest season, but spring is also beautiful with its fresh greenery.

Recommended hidden wineries: A treasure trove of superb wines.

Among the wineries in Katsunuma, I particularly recommend the long-established Chateau Katsunuma and Maruki Budoshu. These are hidden spots loved by locals with few tourists. At Chateau Katsunuma, you can tour the underground cellar and be enveloped by the aroma of aged wine. When I visited, the owner served me his prized vintage wine and I was impressed by its complex flavors. Maruki Budoshu is a family-run business with a homey atmosphere. They carefully explain the differences between each grape variety.

Another hideaway is Katsunuma Brewery. This place is dedicated to organic cultivation and environmentally friendly wine making. Tastings allow you to experience the unique flavors influenced by the soil. I tried a sparkling wine made from Koshu grapes here and was fascinated by its refreshing bubbles. For foreign visitors, tours in English are available to learn about the history and production of wine. Katsunuma wineries offer many opportunities to learn, not just to drink.

As for my experience, I participated in a grape-picking experience at one winery. We entered the vineyard early in the morning and harvested grapes by hand, which requires a surprising amount of physical strength. But the wine tasting afterward was exceptional. Imagining the wine made from the harvested grapes while drinking it deepened the flavor. I was also able to hear about the challenges and future of Yamanashi’s wine industry as I talked with winery staff as part of a local exchange program.

A useful tip for winery tours is to take a wine bus tour if you want to visit multiple locations. You can enjoy the tour without worrying about driving. I took one once and learned a lot from the guide’s detailed explanations. When choosing wine, pay attention to the label. The region and variety are listed, so it is useful to note your preferences. To find a hidden spot, search for “Katsunuma Winery” on Google Maps and choose a small place with high reviews.

This type of experience fits perfectly with the spirit of Private Wisdom. It offers a unique perspective on the world of fine wine. As a related article, we recommend The Art of Wine Tasting. Next, we will discuss local gourmet foods that go well with wine.

• Tasting order: white to red, light to heavy.
• Take-home wines: ideal for souvenirs. Some can be sent by cool delivery.
• Pairing Tips: Koshu wines go well with Japanese food, so pair with local cuisine.

Q&A: Q. I don’t like wine, but can I enjoy it? A. Yes, you can start with non-alcoholic grape juice or light wine. A. Yes, many wineries allow children, but please check in advance.

Excellent gourmet foods in Yamanashi that match with wine

To enjoy Katsunuma wine even more, it is essential to pair it with local gourmet foods. My recommendation is “Houtou”. This is a local dish of Yamanashi, consisting of thick noodles and vegetables simmered in a miso-based soup. I paired houtou with red wine at a diner near the winery and was surprised at the unexpected match. The acidity of the wine enhances the richness of the miso.

Another excellent dish was “Koshu beef” steak. Local beef is tender and juicy. At one restaurant, we enjoyed a luxurious dinner of grilled Koshu beef paired with local wine. Many of the restaurants are attached to wineries, and the harmony of freshly made wine and fresh ingredients is superb. Desserts using seasonal fruits, such as peaches and grapes, are also highly recommended. In summer, peach compote is served with white wine.

From my experience, you should join a lunch tour of the winery. A local chef will suggest menu items that go well with the wine. For example, cheese platters and cured ham are standard items, but you should also try horse sashimi, which is unique to Yamanashi. The refreshing flavor of horse meat goes perfectly with a full-bodied red wine, and a trend in 2025 is likely to be more pairing events using local, organic ingredients.

A useful part of the gourmet exploration is a stroll through the local market. Fresh vegetables and wine are available at the roadside station in Katsunuma. I once enjoyed a picnic with cheese and wine bought there. Wine tasted in nature is exceptional. See also: A Guide to Pairing Local Foods.

• Choosing a restaurant: Preferably one attached to a winery.
• Allergies: Check in advance.
• Dessert Wine: Pair sweet wines with fruit.

Q&A: Q. What about vegetarian options? A. Many places have vegetable-based options. A. Tastings are free of charge – ¥1,000, meals start at around ¥3,000.

Special experiences: workshops at wineries

The charm of Katsunuma goes beyond just drinking. The grape harvesting workshop I attended was an unforgettable experience. You learn to pick and sort grapes in the vineyard in the morning. My hands get sticky, but I feel a sense of accomplishment. Then you get to see the winemaking process, make your own label and take home a bottle.

Another workshop is a wine tasting class. Led by a professional sommelier, you will be taught the differences in aroma and taste. This is where I learned to understand the terroir (influence of soil) of wine and improved my appreciation of it. There is also an English class for foreigners, so there is a rich international flavor. The participants are encouraged to talk with each other as a form of local exchange.

As for seasonal events, I recommend the cherry blossom and wine matching in the spring and the harvest festival in the fall; be sure to check out the “Yamanashi Wine Festival” in 2025. In my experience, the best part of the festival was drinking wine while enjoying live music by local artists. As an investment opportunity, there is also a winery ownership program. You can become a shareholder for a small amount and get limited edition wines.

These experiences offer a unique perspective that is uniquely Private Wisdom. See also: winemaking experiences.

• Clothing: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a hat.
• Reservations: Early as it is very popular.
• What to bring: Bring a camera to capture your memories.

Q&A: Q. Is it OK for beginners? A. Yes, they will teach you from the basics. A. About 2,000 yen to 5,000 yen.

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Private Wisdom-like Summary: The Finest World of Yamanashi Wines

A tour of wineries in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the ultimate combination of gastronomy and special experiences. Through my own visit, I realized the secrets of superb wines and the charm of local gourmet food. Visiting hidden spots and participating in workshops, as described in this article, will create unforgettable memories; enjoy the world of fine wines from the perspective of Private Wisdom and enrich your soul. Take a look at this article for your next trip.

See also: Exploring Yamanashi’s Hidden Spots.

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