When it comes to Japan's world-renowned wine-producing regions, Yamanashi Prefecture stands out.
Yamanashi Prefecture has a long history of winemaking in Japan, and wines from this prefecture have won numerous awards in domestic and international wine competitions.
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" introduces a notable winery that produces wines expressing the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture with care.
That is "Komazono Vineyard."
A winery that makes Japanese wine fans realize, "There are still many interesting wineries in Yamanashi."
Let's introduce winery information and recommended wines from "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
About Komazono Vineyard
Komazono Vineyard is a winery located in Fujiki, Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Yamanashi Prefecture is widely known for the Katsunuma wine region, but Enzan, located in the same Koshu City, is also an excellent wine-producing area.
What kind of winery is Komazono Vineyard?
Let's explain the commitment to grape cultivation and winemaking as envisioned by Mr. Osamichi Kondo, the cultivation and winemaking management officer, based on the winery's history.
History of Komazono Vineyard
The history of Komazono Vineyard began in 1952 when it was founded as Gomi Juice Industry Co., Ltd. in Fujiki, Enzan, Koshu City.
Later, it became Gomi Wine Co., Ltd., and under the philosophy of "winemaking in harmony with the laws of nature," it gained attention as a winery dedicated to 100% Yamanashi-grown grapes and organic cultivation.
In 2019, the company was renamed Komazono Vineyard Co., Ltd.
Since 2015, Mr. Osamichi Kondo, who was involved in sales at the predecessor Gomi Wine Co., Ltd., has served as president and director of Komazono Vineyard and is responsible for cultivation and winemaking management.
The name "Komazono" comes from the name of the company's own vineyard that cultivated Koshu before the winery was founded, and it continues to embody the founding philosophy of "winemaking in harmony with the laws of nature," expressing the unique flavors of this land through wine.
Komazono Vineyard's series are broadly divided into three.
- "Pony"
- "Tao"
- "Cru Nishino"
"Pony" is a brand made from 100% Yamanashi-grown grapes carefully cultivated by contracted farmers, offering an easy way to enjoy Japanese wine.
"Tao" is a single-region brand made by vinifying grapes from specific regions, expressing the varietal characteristics of each area.
The "Cru Nishino" is a wine made from grapes grown in Minami-Alps City and is available only at contracted restaurants and specialty stores.
The wines produced by Komazono Vineyard are all healthy, refined, and high-quality, with the characteristics of the grape varieties and regions clearly expressed.
The winery's philosophy is "Tao," meaning "the way," and wines bearing this name have been highly rated in domestic and international wine competitions.
Also, as a small-scale winery often called a "boutique winery," Komazono Vineyard produces limited quantities, making some labels difficult to obtain.
Because Komazono Vineyard produces wines that rival those worldwide, it is expected to gain even more attention in the future.
Mr. Osamichi Kondo and His Commitment
The president and director of Komazono Vineyard, who is also responsible for cultivation and winemaking management, is Mr. Osamichi Kondo.
He is a certified Wine Scientist from Yamanashi University and a renowned winemaker.
Mr. Kondo's commitment is to cherish the unique encounter with the grapes of that year and that vineyard, valuing the concept of "ichigo ichie" (once-in-a-lifetime meeting) by minimizing scientific approaches as much as possible.
In grape cultivation, they use organic farming methods and aim to make wine that "maximizes the individuality of the grapes."
Commitment to Grape Cultivation
Komazono Vineyard owns the Komazono vineyard, where Koshu vines estimated to be 80 years old are scattered, as well as the Kawakubo, Takemori, and Nishino vineyards.
They emphasize winemaking that respects the individuality of grapes grown in each vineyard, where differences in soil composition and climate conditions, ranging from 280m to 620m in altitude (a difference of 340m), create significant variations.
Another unique aspect of Komazono Vineyard is that it not only focuses on Koshu grapes but also cultivates European varieties and domestically improved varieties suited to the vineyard environment.
Various grape varieties are cultivated, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Bichon Noir.
Also, the Nishino vineyard located in Minami-Alps City, at an altitude of 280m, takes a different approach from wineries that have recently sought cooler regions by cultivating at higher altitudes, which is one of the winery's unique commitments.
By deliberately establishing vineyards in low-altitude areas, the goal is to harvest healthy grapes that respond to the grape growth phases without relying on scientific approaches and adapt to recent climate changes.
Commitment to Winemaking
Kondo’s dedication also shines through in the winemaking process.
Generally, winemakers select different yeasts to achieve their desired goals (for example, choosing yeasts that enhance pineapple-like fruit aromas in Sauvignon Blanc).
However, Komazono Vineyard deliberately uses only neutral yeast to respect the individuality of the grapes used in their winemaking.
They maintain consistent juice extraction methods and fermentation management regardless of region or grape variety, a dedication rarely seen in other wineries.
They minimize the use of preservatives and do not perform heat sterilization, continuing to uphold the management philosophy of "winemaking in harmony with the laws of nature."
He wants to create wines that allow Yamanashi’s terroir to be recognized worldwide, like the great wine regions of the world, and to help Yamanashi Prefecture gain global recognition.
That is the passion of Osamichi Kondo.
Why not check out Komazono Vineyard’s wines that carefully express the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture?
Three Komazono Vineyard wines recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP"
Here are three Komazono Vineyard wines recommended by "CRAFT WINE SHOP."
If you find a wine from the popular Komazono Vineyard that interests you, be sure to check it out.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Komazono Koshu 2024
A white wine made 100% from Koshu grapes grown in the Komazono vineyard, which is also the namesake of Komazono Vineyard.
The Komazono vineyard is at an altitude of 460m with sandy loam soil, and the Koshu grapes are cultivated using the short-pruned H-shaped trellis system.
Fermentation is done in sealed stainless steel tanks, resulting in an aromatic and richly fruity finish.
When sipped, a rich fruitiness spreads in the mouth with a sense of sweetness, but a sharp, crisp acidity and the characteristic Koshu bitterness remain in the finish, creating a refined wine.
A Koshu with a strong umami flavor that makes you want to pair it with Japanese dishes featuring dashi flavors like bonito or kelp broth.
A versatile Koshu with a rich body that pairs well with Western cuisine.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Komazono Koshu 2024
3,080 yen including tax
Go to the purchase page here!
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Pinot Noir 2023
A red wine made from Pinot Noir harvested in the Kawakubo vineyard on the left bank of the Fuefuki River.
The Kawakubo vineyard, at an altitude of 460m with sandy loam soil, benefits from cool winds from the Chichibu mountain range, creating a large temperature difference between day and night—ideal conditions for European grape varieties like Pinot Noir.
A refined Pinot Noir with aromas of small red fruits like wild strawberries, spiciness, and earthy nuances.
This wine suggests new possibilities for Pinot Noir, combining a somewhat wild character with the pure nuances typical of Japanese wine.
With abundant acidity and firm tannins, it also promises long-term aging potential.
Try pairing it with meat dishes that have a strong umami flavor, sauces made with red wine vinegar or fruit, or popular domestic game meats that offer powerful umami.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Pinot Noir 2023
Including tax: 4,400 yen
Go to the purchase page here!
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Bichon Noir 2023
A red wine made from Bichon Noir grapes grown in the Kawakubo vineyard.
Bichon Noir is a red wine grape variety developed at the Yamanashi Fruit Tree Experiment Station, a cross of (Koshu Sanjaku × Merlot) × Malbec, meaning "black jewel," producing wines with rich aroma, softness, and strength.
You’ll notice aromas of black fruits typical of Merlot and Malbec, along with spiciness; the palate is very soft with rich fruit flavors.
You can feel the sweetness of the fruit balanced with acidity and tannin tension, resulting in a refined finish.
For Japanese cuisine, we recommend dishes with sweet sauces such as grilled chicken with tare sauce, grilled eel kabayaki, and sukiyaki.
With a medium body, it pairs well with fatty beef and pork, as well as Western-style fish dishes like tuna and bonito.
Komazono Vineyard / Tao Kawakubo Bichon Noir 2023
3,300 yen including tax
Go to the purchase page here!
Summary
A wine that clearly conveys the terroir of Yamanashi Prefecture and the unique character of the grape varieties born there.
That is the wine of Komazono Vineyard.
Komazono Vineyard values the "once-in-a-lifetime encounter" unique to each year and place, so you can enjoy a distinct taste even among other Yamanashi wines.
What kind of wine truly represents Yamanashi Prefecture?
If you want to know its flavor, why not try a wine from Komazono Vineyard?
