Nov. 20, Tue.
Japan's Wine Country Katsunuma
Various Koshu wine types
Koshu wine perfect for Japanese cuisine
A maker's passion
Today we explore Katsunuma in Yamanashi Prefecture, which is a leading wine production center not far from Tokyo.
Our reporter Stephane visits wineries winning international awards for wines made with the domestic Koshu grape. He'll also try Japanese kaiseki cuisine paired with some of these wines, as well as meet a grape farmer to taste her home cooking.
Haramo Wine
This small winery is in a renovated 130-year-old house. Visitors enjoy complimentary wine tasting in a cozy Japanese setting. There is also a café on the second floor.
Haramo Wine
3181 Katsunuma, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu-shi, Yamanashi-ken
Tel: (+81)553-44-0121
www.haramo.com (in Japanese only)
Mu-an (Kaiseki cuisine)
This elegant restaurant, which opened about 50 years ago, has been in the family for three generations. It offers traditional Kaiseki multi-course meals, together with local Koshu wine. Guests are treated to simply prepared dishes of seasonal, local ingredients, which are arranged artfully on beautiful tableware and served in private rooms. The proprietress visits wineries herself to select wines that complement the cuisine of her place.
Mu-an (Kaiseki cuisine)
1-7-5 Midorigaoka, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi-ken
Tel: (+81)552-253-0015
www.muan-wa.com (in Japanese only)
Katsunuma Jyozo
This winery has been a pioneer in Koshu wine, using only the domestic grape in its wines since its early years. The owner exports many of his labels overseas, especially to Europe. Visitors can enjoy wine events and tours, even by the owner himself. Reservations are required for the tours.
Katsunuma Jyozo Winery Tours
Time required: about 2 hours
Fee: 1,500 yen (reservations necessary)
Special tour: by the owner
Time required: about 4 hours (with one meal)
Fee: 10,000 yen (reservation necessary)
For inquiries:
371 Shimo-Iwasaki, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu-shi, Yamanashi-ken
Tel: (+81)553-44-0069
www.Katsunuma-winery.com/english/index.html (English, French)
"Yamaichi" Engawa (verandah) Café
Grape farmer Kikuko Saegusa runs a café in her home by appointment.
She entertains her guests with family recipes created with produce from her fields. Guests can open bottles they've picked up on their winery tours (no corkage fee). She can also arrange to stock specific Katsunuma labels if guests order them in advance.
*Yamaichi does not stock wine.
For more, visit the Katsunuma Foot Path Society URL
Katsunumafootpath.web.fc2.com/ (in Japanese only)
Access Map
Access:
From Tokyo to Katsunuma area, it takes about one and a half hours from Shinjuku by a limited express train on the JR Chuo Line. Please check train timetables, as only a few limited express trains stop at the closest destination, Katsunuma Budokyo station.
Date :
Oct. 17 - Oct. 24, 2012
Traveler :
Stephane Danton, Japanese tea specialty shop owner (France)
www.ocharaka.co.jp/stephane.html
Over two days, I explored Katsunuma where I discovered Koshu, which is Japan's only domestic wine grape. I visited many beautiful places, including wineries, a home and a temple. I also tried a lot of very nice Koshu wines. As a French person, I did not expect to find such high quality wine. So I was pleasantly surprised. I came away with the understanding that there is great potential for wines made with this type of grape.
Koshu wine also really complements Japanese food. The other thing I enjoyed about my journey was meeting the wonderful people of Katsunuma-they are cheerful, open-minded and friendly.
Katsunuma is so close to Tokyo and yet so different. 20 years in Japan and I still have so much to discover... I plan to visit Katsunuma again and suggest you, too, go and enjoy the good company there and the wine!
Stephane
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