What grape does Funao Winery use?

Nearly all of its wines are made 100% from Muscat of Alexandria grown in the Funao district of Kurashiki, a region that has grown the variety for about 70 years and is considered Japan's leading production area for it.

Who runs Funao Winery?

It is a third-sector (public-private) company established in 2004 and led by representative director Yoshiharu Iwase, created to sustain local Muscat viticulture as the farming population aged.

What styles of wine does Funao Winery make?

The lineup ranges from an extra-sweet free-run Muscat of Alexandria to a special dry style, plus a Muscat Bailey A red, a rosé, and a sparkling wine.

Is Funao Winery the same producer as Grape Ship?

No. Although both are located in Kurashiki's Funao district, they are separate producers: Funao Winery is a 2004-founded, third-sector operation focused on traditional sweet Muscat wines, while Grape Ship is chef-turned-winemaker Kazunori Matsui's independent natural wine project, opened in 2021.

ProducerOkayama

Funao Winery

ふなおワイナリー

Japan's top Muscat district, poured by a 2004 community winery

About Funao Winery

Founded: 2004; 22 years ago
Location: 倉敷市; 岡山県
Wines listed: 7; Sparkling 2, White 2, Rosé 1, Red 1, Sweet 1
Main grapes: Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Bailey A

Funao Winery is a third-sector (public–private) winery established in 2004 in the Funao district of Kurashiki, Okayama — a coastal area that has cultivated Muscat of Alexandria table grapes for roughly 70 years and become Japan's foremost producing region for the variety. Founded to preserve local viticulture amid an aging farming population, the winery is led by representative director Yoshiharu Iwase and produces wines made 100% from Funao-grown Muscat of Alexandria, thinning bunches with the same care used for table grapes to concentrate flavor. Using skin contact, select yeasts, and a generous free-run juice fraction, Funao Winery crafts a lineup ranging from extra-sweet to special dry styles, plus a Muscat Bailey A red, a rosé, and a sparkling wine, sold at its shop within Atago-yama Fureai Park.

Official website: www.funaowinery.com ↗

Who Is This For?

For those curious about Japan's historic dessert-style Muscat of Alexandria wines, and visitors who want to pair a winery tour with tastings, jam, and soft-serve made from the same grapes.

Wines of Funao Winery

Sparkling2

White2

Location & Nearby

Address: 岡山県倉敷市船穂町水江611-2View map ↗
Founded: 2004

Source: okayama-kanko.jp (checked Sep 2026)

The pin with the gold outline marks Funao Winery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape does Funao Winery use?: Nearly all of its wines are made 100% from Muscat of Alexandria grown in the Funao district of Kurashiki, a region that has grown the variety for about 70 years and is considered Japan's leading production area for it.
Who runs Funao Winery?: It is a third-sector (public-private) company established in 2004 and led by representative director Yoshiharu Iwase, created to sustain local Muscat viticulture as the farming population aged.
What styles of wine does Funao Winery make?: The lineup ranges from an extra-sweet free-run Muscat of Alexandria to a special dry style, plus a Muscat Bailey A red, a rosé, and a sparkling wine.
Is Funao Winery the same producer as Grape Ship?: No. Although both are located in Kurashiki's Funao district, they are separate producers: Funao Winery is a 2004-founded, third-sector operation focused on traditional sweet Muscat wines, while Grape Ship is chef-turned-winemaker Kazunori Matsui's independent natural wine project, opened in 2021.