Wine Tasting in Kumamoto

Nov 29, 2022

Wine Tasting in Kumamoto

There are several wineries across Kyushu, including a couple in Kumamoto. Visiting one is a great way to learn more about the wine from the region. Even more importantly, you’ll be able to sample various products before you decide which to buy.

The Wineries

The best-known winery in Kumamoto is aptly named Kumamoto Wine. It offers around 30 different products made with Chardonnay, Muscat Bailey A, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Delaware grapes. All the grapes are grown locally to take advantage of the climate, which is ideal for winemaking. This has resulted in the winery winning multiple awards for its products.

Located in Yamaga (about one hour from Kumamoto city), you’ll find all the same wines you can find at Kumamoto Wine and also at Kikuka Winery. The advantage of visiting this winery instead is that it holds many workshops (where you can try other local specialties) as well as barbecues and day camps. It also has a dedicated tasting room in the wine shop that looks out into the vineyard.

In addition to the wine shop, Kikuka Winery has a second shop where you can purchase other delicacies from Yamaga and Kumamoto prefecture, including seasonal foods and freshly baked hard bread. You can take some pasta or pizza (made in an authentic kiln) back with you to eat with your wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a complete meal in the restaurant on-site or some gelato in one of the hammocks or low chairs.

The History of Wine in Kumamoto

The two wineries and the Kikuka Grape Production Association were established in 1999. This led to planting of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the area, cultivated by three farmers who worked together to determine the best conditions for viticulture. It proved challenging to overcome the lack of experience. It took four years before the grapes were suitable to harvest — but all the hard work eventually paid off.

The harvest of 2003 was also the first night harvest in Japan. This method can be effective because it means the grapes are picked during the lowest temperatures, thus preventing damage to the fruit. The result was the Kikuka Night Harvest Chardonnay 2003.

Today, the two wineries partner with 31 producers and invest in technology to improve the quality of the grapes. This includes using movable rain shields, which allow farmers to control moisture levels. Furthermore, Kikuka Winery acquired agricultural land and has been growing its own grapes since 2018.

The Winemaking Process

The entire process — from growing to bottling — takes place in Kumamoto. After harvesting, grapes are sorted at a fruit selection table, after which they are fermented in small stainless steel tanks. The winemakers can adjust the temperature and pressure in the tanks to influence the result. The producers are constantly experimenting with different ideas to keep improving and to make a name for Kumamoto wine.

As well as these two wineries in Kumamoto, there are several more around Kyushu. If you’ll be in the region for some time, it’s also worth tasting the wine at a few others.

Fhynek00, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons