The regions of Japan
Choose a region to read about its wines and explore the smaller growing areas within it.
- 01HokkaidoNo producers listed yetHokkaido is a cool winegrowing region in Japan, where winter protection is part of vineyard work. In districts with heavy snowfall, growers may cover vines with snow; in colder, drier Tokachi, they may bury them in soil. The cool growing season suits grapes that retain pronounced acidity.
- 02NaganoNo producers listed yetNagano is a mountainous inland wine region in Japan, with many vineyards above 500 metres. Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grow alongside the American grapes Concord and Niagara. Four wine valleys, Kikyogahara, Chikumagawa, Japan Alps and Tenryugawa, differ in altitude, climate and vineyard conditions.
- 03NiigataNo producers listed yetNiigata is a winegrowing area along Japan's Sea of Japan coast, with sandy coastal vineyards, clay soils in Tainai and snowy inland sites in Minamiuonuma. Albariño makes whites with fresh acidity, while red grapes grown here include Zweigeltrebe, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- 04Osaka3 producersOsaka is a winegrowing prefecture in Japan, with most vineyards in Kawachi on sunny slopes below the Kongo Mountains. Much of its wine comes from Delaware and other table-grape varieties. The Osaka geographical indication also permits grapes such as Koshu, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
- 05Other producers9 producersThese Japanese producers have no more specific region listed.
- 06Yamagata2 producersIn northern Honshu, Japan, Yamagata's vineyards occupy mountain basins crossed by the Mogami River. Harvests are cool, and wines often have refreshing acidity. Growers plant white grapes such as Chardonnay and Koshu alongside red grapes including Merlot and Muscat Bailey A.
- 07YamanashiNo producers listed yetYamanashi is a winegrowing prefecture in Japan, with vineyards in tributary basins of the Fuji River. The local Koshu grape makes crisp, citrus-scented whites as well as richer barrel-aged and skin-contact wines. Muscat Bailey A is another important grape, making fruity reds with mild tannins.