Where does the name 'Honjo' (also written 'Honjoe' or 'Honjyo') come from?

It is a shortened form of honkaku jozo, meaning 'authentic, quality-driven brewing.' Locals in Katsunuma recognized Iwasaki Jozo as a genuine, serious wine producer and began calling it 'Honjo,' and even affectionately 'Honjo-san.'

What grape varieties does Iwasaki Jozo (Honjo) use?

The core lineup is built on Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, the two varieties most associated with Katsunuma, though the winery also produces orange wine and other modern styles.

Can visitors tour the winery?

Yes. Iwasaki Jozo offers reservation-based factory tours (roughly 9:00-16:30) that include the historic earthen storehouse and its oversized aging barrel, plus on-site tasting and sales.

What is Iwasaki Jozo's flagship wine?

'Honjo Koshu Dry Oodaru Chozo' (Honjo Koshu Dry, aged in the large barrel) is the winery's signature bottling and has been recognized repeatedly at the Japan Wine Competition.

ProducerKatsunuma

Iwasaki Jozo

岩崎醸造株式会社

Katsunuma's cooperative 'Honjo' winery, aging Koshu in a 70-year-old barrel.

About Iwasaki Jozo

Founded: 1941; 85 years ago
Location: 甲州市; 山梨県
Wines listed: 16; Sparkling 3, White 6, Rosé 1, Red 6
Main grapes: Koshu, Muscat Bailey A, Hokuto no Shizuku

Founded in 1941 when 130 licensed local brewers and grape growers in Shimoiwasaki, Katsunuma joined forces, Iwasaki Jozo is one of Katsunuma's oldest cooperative wineries. Known affectionately by locals as 'Honjo' (or 'Honjoe'/'Honjyo') — short for honkaku jozo, 'authentic, quality-driven brewing' — the winery still works with roughly 130 grower-shareholder families around Katsunuma. Wines are aged in a 70-year-old earthen storehouse and in an oodaru, a wooden barrel more than 20 times the size of a standard cask. The lineup centers on Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, Katsunuma's signature varieties, alongside newer styles like orange wine, and has placed repeatedly at the Japan Wine Competition.

Official website: iwasaki-jozo.com ↗

Who Is This For?

Wine lovers drawn to Japan's grassroots winemaking history — cooperative, terroir-driven, and rooted in Koshu and Muscat Bailey A.

Wines of Iwasaki Jozo

Sparkling3

White6

Rosé1

Honjyo Iwai RoséKoshu · Kai Noir

Red6

Location & Nearby

Address: 山梨県甲州市勝沼町下岩崎957View map ↗
Founded: 1941

Source: nihonwine.jp (checked Sep 2026) / iwasaki-jozo.com (checked Sep 2026)

The pin with the gold outline marks Iwasaki Jozo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the name 'Honjo' (also written 'Honjoe' or 'Honjyo') come from?: It is a shortened form of honkaku jozo, meaning 'authentic, quality-driven brewing.' Locals in Katsunuma recognized Iwasaki Jozo as a genuine, serious wine producer and began calling it 'Honjo,' and even affectionately 'Honjo-san.'
What grape varieties does Iwasaki Jozo (Honjo) use?: The core lineup is built on Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, the two varieties most associated with Katsunuma, though the winery also produces orange wine and other modern styles.
Can visitors tour the winery?: Yes. Iwasaki Jozo offers reservation-based factory tours (roughly 9:00-16:30) that include the historic earthen storehouse and its oversized aging barrel, plus on-site tasting and sales.
What is Iwasaki Jozo's flagship wine?: 'Honjo Koshu Dry Oodaru Chozo' (Honjo Koshu Dry, aged in the large barrel) is the winery's signature bottling and has been recognized repeatedly at the Japan Wine Competition.