mybest
Food and drinksHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Food and drinksHelping You Find the Best
  • 19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More) 1
  • 19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More) 2
  • 19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More) 3
  • 19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More) 4
  • 19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More) 5

19 Best Tried and True Yamanashi Wines in 2022 (Suntory, Grace Wine, and More)

Yamanashi has been pushing its way into the forefront of the wine world in recent years, taking multiple medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Its alcohol has begun appearing as selections on lists of fine wines at international establishments. It’s contributed to the current surge in Japanese wine tourism.

The wine industry in Japan is still continuing to grow and develop, and we thought it was high time for an updated list of the best Yamanashi wines available to consumers now. So we pulled up a list of famous Yamanashi wineries, including the award-winning L’orient Winery and Grace Wine, and ordered their 19 most popular wines from Japan’s e-commerce giants.

We also consulted certified wine experts and sommeliers and hosted a wine tasting. We tested for the following point(s):

  1. Deliciousness

We’ve got a good line-up, ranging from reasonable selections you can enjoy after every evening meal and more expensive ones for special occasions.

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Yamanashi Wines

1

Grace Wine

Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve2017
Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve

Exhibits an Exquisite Balance of Sweet and Sour Elements

2

Lumiére

Sparkling Koshu2015
Sparkling Koshu

A Sparkling Wine That’s a Cut Above

3

Grace Wine

Grace Koshu2017
Grace Koshu

Has a Clean, Refreshing Acidity

4

Château Mercian

Koshu Gris de Gris2015
Koshu Gris de Gris

It's Well-Rounded Flavor is Sure to Be Appreciated by Many

5

Marufuji Winery

Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie2016
Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie

This Well-Balanced Wine Excels in Every Subject

mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

A Slightly More Formal Introduction to Yamanashi Wine

A Slightly More Formal Introduction to Yamanashi Wine
It's probably more than like that you may not have heard what a Yamanashi wine is, so we'd like to introduce a bit of background. The phrase “Yamanashi wine” refers to wine fermented and bottled in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan; it must also be wholly made up of grapes cultivated in Yamanashi.


Even if a wine was produced in Yamanashi, unless it clears several conditions set by Japan’s National Tax Agency, it cannot officially be labeled “Yamanashi wine.” These conditions touch upon things like the variety of grapes used, the method of cultivation, and the level of alcohol.


Only after it has met these conditions and passed an inspection can a wine claim the title (and label) of Yamanashi wine. And we mentioned this before, but Yamanashi wines have recently been bringing home medals from the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), further cementing Yamanashi’s international renown.

How to Choose Yamanashi Wine – Buying Guide

Here, we want to introduce two things you should look out for when picking out Yamanashi wine.

1

Understand the Differences Between Types of Grapes

If you want to know your wines, then you need to know your grapes. Because once you know your grapes, you’ll be able to make a rough guess as to the taste of any wine. Yamanashi wine can be made from all sorts of grapes, from local species to internationally-grown variants. Here are a few of the most common.

Koshu Grapes are Native to Japan

Koshu Grapes are Native to Japan
Koshu is a white wine grape. It’s indigenous to Japan, though it does carry some European DNA. It isn’t too heady and instead has a light, clean scent–almost citrus-like–and biting acidity. When particularly sour, it gives off a fragrance similar to that of lemons or limes; when more mellow, it’s likened to the Japanese citrus fruits yuzu and sudachi.


To experience the full flavor of Koshu grapes, try them in a simple white wine. If you are searching for greater depth, try something where the winemaking process was more involved, such as a bottle aged sur lie – that is, aged directly on the lees for lengths of time in order to extract and fill out flavors.

Muscat Bailey A's are Known for Their Robust Flavor

Muscat Bailey A's are Known for Their Robust Flavor
Muscat Bailey A’s are a red wine grape and they're said to be the face of Japan’s wine industry. They have a sweet scent, reminiscent of strawberry gumdrops or cotton candy, as well as a sharp sourness. It’s lightly tannic and is filled with the flavor of bright, fresh red fruit.


That clean, fruity taste makes Muscat Bailey A wines a perfect companion for Japanese meat and fish dishes. Try them if you find most red wines too astringent.

Cabernet Sauvignon Skillfully Balances Out Bitter and Sour Elements

Cabernet Sauvignon Skillfully Balances Out Bitter and Sour Elements
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular variety of black grape in the world. It’s got an extremely rich fragrance–a mixture of the thick fruitiness of dark-skinned berries like blackcurrants and the spiciness of pepper, with the refreshing chill of mint thrown in.


Cabernet Sauvignon is both sour and tannic, and simply by exposing it to air, you can change its flavor in subtle and wonderful ways. It pairs well with Western foods–in particular, roasts of red meat and steak.

Merlots are Round and Mellow in Flavor

Merlots are Round and Mellow in Flavor
Merlot is second in popularity only to Carbernet Sauvignon. It has a scent that’s sometimes compared to ripe black cherries and, when more bitter, likened to coffee or chocolate.


It’s less sour and tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon and it's smooth and has an elegant taste; this, too, would be a good choice for those who don’t like astringent wines.


Merlot goes well with foods that are more mellow and full; think of stewed and braised meat dishes like beef stew or even the Japanese hot pot dish sukiyaki.

Chardonnay Take on Different Characteristics Depending on Where They Were Produced

Chardonnay Take on Different Characteristics Depending on Where They Were Produced

Chardonnay is called the Queen of White Wines. Its flavor changes depending on the place and method of production.


In colder climates, Chardonnay takes on an elegant taste that’s sharply acidic, as well as the fragrance of apples or pears. In warmer climates, it takes on a full, mellow flavor similar to ripe pineapples or banana.


Chardonnay wine produced in Yamanashi has the refreshing scent of green apples. It tastes fresh and elegant. It complements not only fish but also pork and poultry dishes.

Adirondac are Known as the Phantom Grape

Adirondac are Known as the Phantom Grape

Vineyards that cultivate Adirondac are extremely rare, earning it the appellation of “phantom grape.” In Japan, most producers are near the Katsunuma region in Yamanashi Prefecture.


Cultivating Adirondac is a painstaking process, which is why there are few dedicated vineyards. Not only must you harvest the grapes with care, cradling each cluster in both hands, but they’re also particularly susceptible to pests like birds and insects–producers know not to expect bountiful harvests.


Adirondac has the sweet scent of raspberries and feels clean and elegant on the tongue. It also tastes of fruit, both round and delicate.

Delaware, Niagara, Kyoho are Recognized as Classic Supermarket Grapes

Delaware, Niagara, Kyoho are Recognized as Classic Supermarket Grapes

Delaware, Niagara, and Kyoho grapes are varieties you can often find in supermarkets. They smell fruity and taste sweet, which is why they’re so often snacked on, but in wines, these characteristics come off too strong and often overpower the taste of other foods. Even when fermented, the grapes taste more like juice than wine.


Actually, most wines made from grapes that are normally eaten turn out sweet. Therefore, they’re best had after dinner as a dessert wine; you would also like them if you aren’t a big fan of alcohol and are looking for a sweet wine that’s easy to swallow.

2

Look at Which Winery It Was Produced At

Look at Which Winery It Was Produced At
Out of the 280-some wineries in Japan, over 80 are located in Yamanashi. Each brand has a character of its own and certain peculiarities–there’s Kurambon Winery, for example, which specializes in sweet alcohols, and Grace Wine, known for their delicate dries.


Once you’ve found a Yamanashi wine that you particularly like, we recommend tucking away the name of its producer in your mind.


Many wineries also participate in the Yamanashi Nouveau, a festival that celebrates the release of new wines. It’s held annually, on the third of November in Tokyo and a bit later in Yamanashi Prefecture. If you get a chance, do participate–it’s always great fun to find a winery you love and compare their new concoctions with old favorites.


Below, we’ve introduced two wineries you may have already heard of; they’ve both won gold at international wine competitions and are the current forerunners of the Japanese winemaking industry.

Grace Wine Focuses on All-Natural Production

Grace Wine Focuses on All-Natural Production
Grace Wine is a long-standing winery established in 1923 in the town of Katsunuma in Yamanashi prefecture. They mainly cultivate Koshu grapes but also deal in Western varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.


Grace Wine adds no extra sweet or sour elements to their products; their principle is to make wine in as natural a way as possible. They produce Koshu wines that have umami and are both clean and elegant.


The woman in charge of cultivation over at Misawa Vineyards and the current chief winemaker at Grace Wines, Ayana Misawa, studied abroad in both France and South Africa, where she learned about the art of winemaking. Upon her return to Japan, she worked on the Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu 2013, which won gold at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.


It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Grace Wine is at the forefront of Japanese winemaking and is the winery that made the world aware of the limitless potential of Koshu grapes.

L’Orient Winery Produces Wine Comparable to European Brands

L’Orient Winery Produces Wine Comparable to European Brands
L’Orient is a family winery that spans three generations, stretching back to 1938, when it was also established in the town of Katsunuma in Yamanashi Prefecture.


As per their French-derived name, L’Orient seeks to craft high-quality wines that won't lose to those produced by well-established makers in Europe. L’Orient’s winery is also a must-see for anyone interested in Yamanashi wine tours, as it offers visitors a chance to tread on grapes, bottle wines, and design their own labels.


As for its performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards, L’Orient brought home the gold medal with its first entry ever: the Cellar Master Koshu 2016.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

19 Best Yamanashi Wines

Now to introduce the 19 most popular Yamanashi wines available online. They were ranked by how well they did during tasting and given an overall “deliciousness” grade ranging from 1.0 to 5.0. ※Note that the age dates of the wine we tried may not be the exact version you can find available to purchase.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Grace Wine

Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve2017

Grace Wine  Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve 1

Exhibits an Exquisite Balance of Sweet and Sour Elements

2

Lumiére

Sparkling Koshu2015

Lumiére Sparkling Koshu 1

A Sparkling Wine That’s a Cut Above

3

Grace Wine

Grace Koshu2017

Grace Wine Grace Koshu 1

Has a Clean, Refreshing Acidity

4

Château Mercian

Koshu Gris de Gris2015

Château Mercian Koshu Gris de Gris 1

It's Well-Rounded Flavor is Sure to Be Appreciated by Many

5

Marufuji Winery

Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie2016

Marufuji Winery  Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie 1

This Well-Balanced Wine Excels in Every Subject

6

Diamond Breweries

Muscat Bailey A Ycube2015

Diamond Breweries  Muscat Bailey A Ycube 1

If You Want to Experience the Natural Fruitiness of Muscat Bailey A

7

Kurambon Wine

Bel Alba Muscat Bailey A

Kurambon Wine Bel Alba Muscat Bailey A 1

A Natural Rosé Bursting With the Condensed Flavor of Grapes

8

Soryu Winery

Freezing Wine Red 20172017

Soryu Winery Freezing Wine Red 2017 1

Perfect as a Dessert Wine and Tastes and Smells like Strawberry Jam

9

Marufuji Winery

Rubaiyat Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged Red2016

Marufuji Winery  Rubaiyat Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged Red 1

The Drink for You if You Like to Slowly Sip and Savor Your Wine

10

Haramo Wine

Koshu Lees contact2017

Haramo Wine  Koshu Lees contact 1

An Above Average Wine With a Floral Scent and a Simple Flavor Profile

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Grace Wine
Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve2017

Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve 1
Reference price
$38.46
High
Reference price
$38.46
High

Exhibits an Exquisite Balance of Sweet and Sour Elements

This wine had a flavor even more complex than that of Grace Koshu, which was produced by the same winery and ranked third on our list. Out of all of the products we tested, actually, when it came to flavor complexity, Toribiira Vineyard Private Reserve was an undisputed first.

Our tasters admired how the natural sweetness of fruit melded with the mellow fragrance of the barrel and how the wine gave off the refreshing astringency characteristic of Koshu grapes. They also all agreed that, even if they were to take into account their personal preferences, this wine would still rank in among their top five favorites.

This is a Yamanashi wine mybest is proud to recommend to everyone–be you a new drinker of wine that’s curious about the taste of Koshu grapes or a seasoned expert in Japanese wines. It’s also a good one to try if you’re already a fan of sake and want to explore all the other alcohol that Japan has to offer.
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Lumiére
Sparkling Koshu2015

Sparkling Koshu 1
Reference price
$26.37
High Mid
Reference price
$26.37
High Mid

A Sparkling Wine That’s a Cut Above

This was exactly as it claimed to be on the label. It was a dry sparkling wine, not very sweet and refreshing with the sourness of Koshu grapes. It was topped with creamy foam and gave off the cool scent of Japanese citrus fruits.

Acidity was the main flavor profile, and the citrusy scent tickled the nose. The wine was heavily carbonated and effervescent, so it’d be a great drink to toast with and start off the night.
No.3

Grace Wine
Grace Koshu2017

Grace Koshu 1
Reference price
$29.98
High Mid
Reference price
$29.98
High Mid

Has a Clean, Refreshing Acidity

This wine was so faithful to the flavor of Koshu grapes, drinking it was like being in Yamanashi. It had the scent of citrus fruits, tasted refreshingly sour, and closed out with a pleasant bitterness–the very textbook definition of a Koshu grape wine.

Each of our tasters had a sip and immediately proclaimed Grace Koshu delicious. It was a dry white wine that would go well with traditional Japanese fare, like grilled fish.

This would also make a good present to a wine or sake lover. The label was actually designed by Kenya Hara, one of Japan’s leading graphic designers, and it’s a beautiful example of Japanese aesthetics.
No.4

Château Mercian
Koshu Gris de Gris2015

Koshu Gris de Gris 1
Reference price
$25.36
High Mid
Reference price
$25.36
High Mid

It's Well-Rounded Flavor is Sure to Be Appreciated by Many

All of our tasters found this wine delicious. It was neither too sweet nor too dry, having instead a well-rounded flavor that could appeal to anyone. It was full-bodied, deep, and complex. It would compliment more subtle and delicate seasonings. We suggest trying it with foods flavored with simple salt or lemon.

It was also an indescribably beautiful color, so this wine would be a great choice for parties or other celebratory occasions.
No.5

Marufuji Winery
Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie2016

Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie 1
Reference price
$20.33
Mid
Reference price
$20.33
Mid

This Well-Balanced Wine Excels in Every Subject

Our tasters agreed that this was overall a well-balanced wine. It wasn’t too sweet and had a pleasing bitterness and complexity of flavor that piqued our interest. The attack, or initial taste, of the wine was a bit sweet, but the aftertaste was clear and invigorating. It would go well with delicate fish dishes, including sushi.

However, in part because this wine was aged sur lie, it had some faint reduced notes–meaning that lack of oxygen during fermentation allowed certain compounds in the wine to react, resulting in a sulfuric smell. These compounds are volatile, though, so we recommend letting the wine sit and “air” for a bit before drinking.
No.6

Diamond Breweries
Muscat Bailey A Ycube2015

Muscat Bailey A Ycube 1
Reference price
$30.78
High Mid
Reference price
$30.78
High Mid

If You Want to Experience the Natural Fruitiness of Muscat Bailey A

Most of our tasters agreed that this wine was best at showcasing the unique taste and fragrance of Muscat Bailey A.

It not only gave off the fresh scent of berries but also was sweet without being sugary, reminding us of the mellow flavor of Japanese sweets. It then left behind a refreshing sourness on our tongues. In other words, this wine tasted and acted quintessentially like Muscat Bailey A.

If you haven’t yet but are interested in trying a wine featuring Muscat Bailey A, then you’ll be hard put to find a finer example than this.
No.7

Kurambon Wine
Bel Alba Muscat Bailey A

Bel Alba Muscat Bailey A 1
Reference price
$17.80
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.80
Low Mid

A Natural Rosé Bursting With the Condensed Flavor of Grapes

If you like natural wines and how they preserve the natural tastiness of grapes, then you’ll appreciate Kurambon’s Bel Alba.

The whole grape and all of its umami was packed into this wine, so much so that we could even taste the bitterness of the peels. It was a bit foamy and very fruity and would pair well with vegetables, pork, and chicken.

※Please note that from the time of this writing this article, the packaging has changed.

No.8

Soryu Winery
Freezing Wine Red 20172017

Freezing Wine Red 2017 1
Reference price
$26.17
High Mid
Reference price
$26.17
High Mid

Perfect as a Dessert Wine and Tastes and Smells like Strawberry Jam

Even our wine experts were surprised to find an ice wine made solely from the juice of Muscat Bailey A grapes. It had the flavor of slowly simmered strawberry jam and would pair well with salty foods like Gorgonzola cheese.

It also went well with chocolate, so this would be a lovely wine to pass around when enjoying desserts in the evening.
No.9

Marufuji Winery
Rubaiyat Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged Red2016

Rubaiyat Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged Red 1
Reference price
$23.63
Mid
Reference price
$23.63
Mid

The Drink for You if You Like to Slowly Sip and Savor Your Wine

In a word, this wine was elegant. It contained Merlot grapes in addition to Muscat Bailey A, so it didn’t so much smell like berries as give off the complex fragrance of vanilla or toast.

This wine was hard to tire of and was ideal for sipping. It would pair well with sweeter stews and simmered Japanese dishes. It was a bit tight, however (that is, the flavors were so closely pressed together that they became muted), so we recommend letting it air and unwind a bit before drinking.
No.10

Haramo Wine
Koshu Lees contact2017

Koshu Lees contact 1
Reference price
$18.80
Mid
Reference price
$18.80
Mid

An Above Average Wine With a Floral Scent and a Simple Flavor Profile

Though there wasn’t much complexity to this wine, it still scored above average on all counts.

The aroma of Koshu grapes was present in full force, reminding us of white flowers, mimosa, or honey. It was a simple and well-balanced white wine, quite dry, and would go well with Japanese food.
No.11

Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery
Tomi no Oka Red 2016

Tomi no Oka Red 1
Reference price
$42.65
High
Reference price
$42.65
High

Highlights the Lightness and Elegance of Merlot

We’d recommend this wine to anyone who likes a good Merlot. It was astringent but not too tannic, and it was light enough to go well with traditional Japanese fare. 

Our tasters did describe the wine as “closed”–that is, they felt that the acidity in the wine was a bit overpowering but hoped the drink would “open up” with time. We recommend decanting the wine or letting it sit for a bit after uncorking it.

No.12

Suntory Japan
Premium Koshu 20162016

Premium Koshu 2016 1
Reference price
$16.49
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.49
Low Mid

Light, Refreshing, and Easy to Drink

It had a crisp fragrance reminiscent of apples or mint and was quite simple and very easy to drink.

Because it was such a clean-tasting white wine, it would pair well with creamy foods or Japanese dishes featuring the (more) buttery Saikyo and light brown varieties of miso. It would also do well as a chilled drink on hot summer evenings.
No.13

Manns Wines
Koshu Sparkling Wine ~Kobo no Awa~

Koshu Sparkling Wine ~Kobo no Awa~ 1
Reference price
$15.16
Low Mid
Reference price
$15.16
Low Mid

A Sweet Sparkling Wine, Resplendent With the Clear Taste of Koshu

This wine smelled citrusy and tasted sweet. It felt transparent and refreshing, and it was an overall fruity sparkling wine.

It had a sharpness that reminded us of sake, but it drew character from the traces of sugar the winemaker chose to leave in. It’s another good choice for those who aren’t big fans of alcohol and enjoy drinks that are sweet and fizzy.
No.14

Chateau Sakaori
Koshu Dry2017

Koshu Dry 1
Reference price
$16.48
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.48
Low Mid

Highlights the Bitterness of Koshu Grapes

This wine was served at the 42nd G7 summit, also known as the Ise-Shima summit. It showcased the characteristics of Koshu grapes.

It was full-bodied and featured a tart bitterness. It also had a foamy texture, which made it overall very easy to drink. We recommend pairing this wine with traditional Japanese dishes, like Yamanashi’s nourishing hōtō noodles or rich mushroom tempura.
No.15

Chânmoris Wine
Niagara

Niagara 1
Reference price
$14.98
Low Mid
Reference price
$14.98
Low Mid

Bursts Forth With a Fruity Sweetness

The Niagara tasted more like grapes than wine and had a fresh fragrance. All the flavors were well-balanced, making this the perfect dessert wine to end a meal. Take just a few sips, and you’ll find yourself no longer craving sweets.
No.16

Kurambon Wine
Adirondac

Adirondac 1
Reference price
$18.01
Low Mid
Reference price
$18.01
Low Mid

A Sweet and Refreshing Brew Ideal for First-Time Wine Drinkers

Most of our reviewers agreed that this wine had a fragrance similar to candy or chewing gum.

It didn’t really taste or smell like alcohol. Instead, it had a light sweetness to it that appealed to the masses. We’d recommend this wine to people just starting to drink or to those who prefer something a bit similar to juice.

※Please note that from the time of this writing this article, the packaging has been changed.

No.17

Katsunuma Winery
Arugano Clan2016

Arugano Clan 1
Reference price
$24.72
High Mid
Reference price
$24.72
High Mid

Experience the Full Force of Sour Cabernet Sauvignons

All of our reviewers were left with the same first impression. “This wine is sour.” You could really taste the Cabernet Sauvignon that formed the base of this wine, leaving it extremely tannic. We’d recommend pairing it with something rich, like a fatty Wagyu steak.
No.18

Toriivilla Imamura
Katsunuma Rouge2016

Katsunuma Rouge 1
Reference price
$19.78
Mid
Reference price
$19.78
Mid

A Hit-Or-Miss With Its Strong Sourness

The sourness of the Black Queen (a variety of Japanese grape) came out in full force and made this wine hit or miss.

It also had a bit of a peaty fragrance, reminiscent of brine and oysters, so we can’t really recommend this product to anyone who’s not already familiar with Yamanashi wine.
No.19

Maruki Winery
Kyoho Nigori2018

Kyoho Nigori 1
Reference price
$15.42
Low Mid
Reference price
$15.42
Low Mid

A Sweet Drink for Those Who Aren’t Keen on Alcohol

This was a simple wine that showcased the flavor of Kyoho grapes; it was sweet and easy to down. It was very fruity and there wasn’t much complexity to its taste, so it might fall a bit flat for wine connoisseurs.

However, we heavily recommend it to those who want something similar to juice. Because it is quite sweet, make sure that you properly chill it before serving.

How We Tested the Wines

We gathered the 19 most popular Yamanashi wines from Amazon, Rakuten, and other e-commerce giants and tested them for flavor.

Test ① Deliciousness

Test ① Deliciousness

Testing this time was simple–we were looking for a delicious wine. We had wine experts try all the wines and look for ones that skillfully balanced sweetness and acidity and tasted good. We then graded each wine on a five-step scale from 1.0 to 5.0.

Ones That Drew Out the Character of the Grapes Were the Best-Tasting

Ones That Drew Out the Character of the Grapes Were the Best-Tasting
Generally speaking, all the Yamanashi wines were tasty. But of the ones that received a 4.0 or 5.0, most in some way reflected the characteristics of the grapes used. If it was a Koshu wine, for example, it contrasted sharp acidity with a gentle citrusy scent. If it was Muscat Bailey A, it smelled of fruity and sweet but was also sour and tannic.


Know, too, that flavor is incredibly elusive when it comes to description. Not all wine will taste like what it says on the label. However, most of the wines that we gave high scores to did live up to their claims and accurately mirrored the descriptions put forth by the brand.


Finally, when you find a wine you like, remember to write down where and by whom it was produced and what grapes were used. If you share that information with a sommelier, he or she will be able to introduce you to more wines that you’re sure to enjoy.

Top 5 Yamanashi Wines

No. 1: Grace Wine Koshu Torii Hirahata Vineyard Private Reserve2017

No. 2: LumiéreSparkling Koshu2015

No. 3: Grace WineGrace Koshu2017

No. 4: Château MercianKoshu Gris de Gris2015

No. 5: Marufuji Winery Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie2016

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Food and drinks

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

10 Best

New Arrivals
Featured Rankings Similar to Food and drinks

Most Viewed
favlist Similar to Food and drinks

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.