[Akita Prefecture] 3 selected wineries in Akita Prefecture! You can enjoy Japanese wine made from wild grapes!

According to 2018 statistics, Akita Prefecture ranks 6th in the nation in apple harvest (5th in Tohoku), and ranks 1st in the nation for berries such as raspberries and blackberries.

However, the number of grapes produced in the prefecture is low, ranking 18th in Japan, and as of the end of July 2022, there are only three wineries that produce grapes produced within the prefecture. Masu.

What is a mountain grape hybrid?

Before introducing the winery, I would like to introduce the "Yama grape hybrid" that wineries in Akita Prefecture use to make wine.

This grape is an original Japanese variety that grows well even in cold regions and is easy to cultivate.

It was cultivated by the late Mr. Haruo Sawanobori of the Japan Grape Lover's Association, who is famous for his research on wild grapes, and the variety has been repeatedly improved. Due to its high acidity and rich red pigment, it is used to produce not only heavy, solid red wines, but also sweet wines with a refreshing taste.

Towada Wine Brewery/Marco Food Industry (Kazuno City)

Located in Kazuno City, inland of Akita Prefecture, on the border with Iwate Prefecture, red wine made from wild grapes grown in well-drained volcanic ash near Lake Towada, and Campbell Early, which was introduced to Japan in the Meiji period. We blend red wine and make wine without using antioxidants or preservatives.

Recommended wines from Towada Winery

The main red wine is a blend of wild grapes and Campbell Early, but we also recommend the rich red wine made entirely from wild grape hybrids.

Towada Wine Shrimp Kazura (red: wild grape variety, hybrid variety)

Ebikazura is a wild mountain grape, and this medium-bodied red wine is made from wild grapes harvested in the Towada/Hachimantai region and cultivated hybrid wild grapes.

It is characterized by a unique and refreshing acidity while retaining a wild taste.

Information

  • Facility name: Towada Wine Brewery/Marco Food Industry
  • Address: 37 Hanawashindencho, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0186-23-3114
  • URL: None

Google Map

Kosaka Nanataki Winery (Kosaka Town)

Kosaka Town is located to the north of Kazuno City and is the town closest to Lake Towada in Akita Prefecture.

The Grape Cultivation Invasion Project was launched in 1988, using farmland not being used due to rice acreage reduction policies, and farmers began cultivating hybrid varieties of wild grapes that grow well in cold regions.

This winery, operated by Kosaka Town Development Company, which is an investment from Kosaka Town, produces wine from the wild grape hybrid.

Recommended wines from Kosaka Nanataki Winery

Niagara and Steuben white wines and rosés from Akita Prefecture are also popular, but we also recommend the red wines, which range from sweet and light to acidic and rich, that take advantage of the characteristics of local mountain grapes.

Kosaka Nanataki Winery “Kokoko (Unfiltered) 2020”

The mountain grape named ``Little Prince'' is rich in polyphenols and has a blueberry-like color and a rich aroma.

The rich and elegant acidity produced by the wild grapes gives the wine a profound feel that enhances the texture of the wine.

Information

  • Facility name: Kosaka Nanataki Winery
  • Address: 22 Takinoshita, Kamimuki, Kosaka-cho, Kazuno-gun, Akita Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0186-22-3130
  • URL: Kosaka Nanataki Winery

Google Map

Winery Konohana (Kazuno City)

This winery, named after Konohana Sakuyahime, a woman of unparalleled beauty who brings blessings to agriculture and the sake brewing industry, was established with the support of Kazuno City's ``Machinaka Bustling Winery Development Project''.

Red wine from Kokoji and Yama Sauvignon grown in our own fields in the Tokito district, where the best grapes in Kosaka Town are harvested, white wine from Portland, and rosé from Wineland are brewed and aged in stainless steel tanks. The fruit flavor of the grapes can be felt directly.

By the way, Yama Sauvignon is a combination of Yama grape and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winery Konohana’s recommended wines

In addition to red, white, and rosé wines, the glass-enclosed tank room also produces cider made from the Akita Fuji apple.

We recommend the red wine from the "Tokito Kokoko" series, which is used at the restaurant on JR East's luxury cruise train "TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima."

Tokito Shokoko 2020 Unfiltered Raw Zume (Red: Shokoko)

Tokito Shokoko 2020 Unfiltered Raw Zume (Red: Shokoko)

Among the wild grape hybrids, Shokoji is a variety with high sugar content and strong pigmentation, and the red wine brewed with it is characterized by rich yet soft tannins and rich acidity.

It has a refreshing mineral feel, so it goes well with seafood sashimi, salmon roe, and sea urchin.

The 2020 vintage is sold out, but the 2021 vintage will be released on August 10, 2022.

Information

  • Facility name: Winery Konohana
  • Address: 171 Hanawa Shimohanawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0186-22-2388
  • URL: Winery Konohana

Google Map

summary

There used to be a winery called "Amasagi Wine" in Yurihonjo City on the Sea of ​​Japan side of Akita, but unfortunately it temporarily closed on March 31, 2022.

This winery sells plum wine and outsourced the winemaking to Kuzumaki Wine in Iwate Prefecture, so there was no impact on Akita Prefecture's mountain grape wine production.

Yurihonjo City is currently considering ways to utilize the winery facility, which was once known as Tensagi Castle, and the local community is hoping to revive the wine castle.

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