Yamanashi Wines

When you initially think of fine wines, what comes to mind? France, Italy, and the California Napa Valley all circulate through my mind when anyone mentions top quality wine. However, I was pleasantly surprised to venture across an exceptional winery in the least likely of places. During a recent trip to Japan, I discovered a surprising establishment in the heart of Japanese wine country- Yamanashi, Japan. In the prefecture of Yamanashi, Japan located near the city of Kofu exists a very fertile region where one of many Yamanashi wineries thrives.

Yamanashi is the equivalent of a state in the United States of America. The area is in a basin near the beautiful Mt. Fuji. This region is miles away from the ocean and totally land locked but boasts a high production of fruits and vegetables for the rest of Japan. Cherries, peaches, and apples are prevalent in the area. However, their most famous crop is grapes. The surrounding countryside is filled with numerous vineyards producing grapes. I was totally delighted to have a small amount of time to visit a winery firsthand and see some parts of the wine making process.

As a visitor to the region, I was openly welcomed to tour the grounds. The facilities were immaculate although somewhat historic. I was told that this particular facility had been around over one-hundred eighty years. All the workers were very friendly as I made my way through the site. Moreover, I was offered to sample the many wines that this Yamanashi winery produced. I was cordially encouraged, by my Japanese hosts, to select my favorite wine of the winery. This required a great deal of tasting, but I was unable to sample every single wine. There were about twenty-five different varieties produced and I was only able to taste about fifteen separate brands. Nonetheless, I selected a delicious white wine to comply with the wishes of my hosts and they purchased a bottle to serve at the evening dinner. It was truly a great end to a long day. The wine was delicious, crisp, and held a slightly fruity flavor. It went well with sushi and shabu-shabu.

If you are ever in the city of Kofu or the Yamanashi region, I strongly suggest that you pay a visit to one of the local wine establishments and sample some of their unique wine beverages. I was disappointed that I could not purchase bottles to take home with me. I was told by my hosts and the winery representative that this particular winery would not ship to America. Furthermore, I was told that Japanese customs would not allow me to transport their wines out of the country. I simply had to enjoy it all while I was there. I have since discovered that some varieties from some wineries in the region can be purchased online. Nevertheless, I do highly recommend giving a Yamanashi wine a try. You very well might be in for a pleasant surprise.