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According to 2018 statistics, Akita Prefecture's apple harvest was sixth in the nation (fifth in the Tohoku region), and it was number one in the nation for berries such as raspberries and blackberries
However, the prefecture ranks 18th in the nation in terms of grape production, and as a result, as of the end of July 2022, there are only three wineries that brew grapes grown in the prefecture, and they produce "Japanese wine" using 100% locally grown grapes, including wild grape hybrids
What is a wild grape hybrid?
Before introducing the winery, we would like to introduce you to the wild grape hybrids that wineries in Akita Prefecture use to make wine
This grape is an original Japanese variety that grows well in cold climates and is easy to cultivate. It was developed by the late Haruo Sawato of the Japan Grape Lovers Association, famous for his research on wild grapes, and has undergone repeated breeding. With its high acidity and rich red pigment, it is used to brew not only full-bodied, rich red wines, but also refreshing, sweet wines
Towada Winery and Marco Food Industry (Kazuno City)
Located in Kazuno City, inland of Akita Prefecture, on the border with Iwate Prefecture, the winery blends red wine made from wild grapes grown in the well-drained volcanic ash near Lake Towada with red wine made from Campbell Early grapes, which were introduced to Japan during the Meiji period, and produces wine without the use of antioxidants or preservatives
The main product is a red wine blended with wild grapes and Campbell Early grapes, but we would like to recommend a rich red wine made entirely from wild grape hybrids
Ebikazura (Ebikazura) refers to wild mountain grapes, and this medium-bodied red wine is made from wild grapes harvested in the Towada and Hachimantai regions, as well as cultivated hybrid mountain grapes
While retaining its wild flavor, it is characterized by a unique and refreshing acidity
Information
Facility name: Towada Winery and Marco Food Industry
Address: 37 Hanawa Shindencho, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Phone number: 0186-23-3114
URL: None
Google Map
Kosaka Nanataki Winery (Kosaka Town)
Kosaka Town is located 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 unused farmland due to rice acreage reduction policies, and farmers began cultivating wild grape hybrids that grow well in cold climates. This winery, run by the Kosaka Town Development Company, which is funded by Kosaka Town, produces wine made from wild grape hybrids
White wines and rosés from Akita Prefecture, such as Niagara and Steuben, are also popular, but we recommend the red wine lineup, which makes the most of the unique characteristics of locally grown wild grapes, and ranges from lightly sweet to rich and acidic
Kosaka Nanataki Winery "Little Prince (unfiltered) 2020"
Named "Little Prince," wild grapes are rich in polyphenols and are characterized by their blueberry-like color and mellow fragrance
The rich and elegant acidity of the wild grapes gives the wine a profound feeling that enhances its texture
Named after Konohanasakuyahime, a beautiful woman who brings blessings to agriculture and the sake brewing industry, this winery was established with the support of Kazuno City's "Downtown Lively Winery Development Project."
The red wine is made from Kogoshin and Yama Sauvignon grapes grown in the Tokito area, where the best grapes are harvested in Kosaka Town, the white wine is made from Portland grapes, and the rosé is made from Wineland grapes.These wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, allowing you to directly taste the fruitiness of the grapes
By the way, Yama Sauvignon is a blend of wild grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon
In the glass-walled tank room, in addition to red, white, and rosé wine, cider made from Fuji apples grown in Akita is also produced
We recommend the red wine from the "Tokito Kokoshi" series, which is used in the restaurant on JR East's luxury cruise train, "Train Suite Shiki-shima."
Tokito Little Prince 2020 Unfiltered Raw Bottle (Red: Little Prince)
Tokito Little Prince 2020 Unfiltered Raw Bottle (Red: Little Prince)
Among the wild grape hybrids, the notable variety, Kogoshin, is a high-sugar, highly pigmented variety, and the red wine brewed with it is characterized by its rich flavor, yet soft tannins and ample acidity
It has a refreshing mineral taste, so it goes well with seafood sashimi, fish eggs such as 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 Shimohanawa, Hanawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
There was 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 outsources the brewing to Kuzumaki Wine in Iwate Prefecture, so there was no impact on the production of wild grape wine in Akita Prefecture
Yurihonjo City is currently considering ways to utilize the winery facilities formerly known as "Amasagi Castle," and local residents are hoping for the revival of the wine castle
Articles about wineries in other Tohoku prefectures
I'm a former Edokko man who loves Morioka and the six Tohoku prefectures, and I also love history, food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. I'll be introducing you to the interesting, delicious, and great things about Tohoku!
![matagi](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/matagi-150x150.jpg.webp "The popular "Matagi" tradition of wild game began in Kitaakita City! [Akita Prefecture]")
