Katsunuma Winery
勝沼醸造
Japan's benchmark Koshu specialist — the winery that first brought Koshu to the global stage. Five consecutive five-star ratings at Japan Winery Awards (2019–2023). Silver medal at France's Vinalies Internationales 2003 — the first ever for a dry Koshu wine. The ARUGA Arugabranca Isehara single-vineyard wine, from rare sandy-gravel soils, is widely regarded as Japan's answer to grand cru white wine.
Katsunuma Winery was founded in 1937 in the heart of Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture — Japan's most celebrated wine region. After a major transformation in the 1990s under current representative Yuji Ariga, the winery made a bold commitment to Koshu, Japan's indigenous grape with over 1,300 years of history, abandoning international varieties to pursue an authentic expression of their terroir. Today, 30 out of the 40 million bottles produced annually are Koshu wines. The winery operates under the philosophy that 'wine is an expression born from the interaction between people and nature,' striving to create Koshu wines that resonate with the world. The ARUGA brand encompasses two lines: Arugabranca (white wines centered on Koshu) and Arugano (reds and rosés centered on Muscat Bailey A), showcasing the depth and versatility of Japanese indigenous varieties.
www.katsunuma-winery.com/ ↗Cuvées
アルガブランカ ヴィニャル イセハラ
Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara
WhiteKoshu · 甲州
Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara is Katsunuma Winery's flagship single-vineyard Koshu, often referred to as Japan's answer to a Grand Cru. Sourced exclusively from the approximately 2-hectare Isehara vineyard in Fuefuki City, the site sits on rare sandy-gravelly alluvial soils formed over millennia by the Kanegawa River. This exceptional drainage and mineral-rich substrate allows the Koshu vines to concentrate aromatic compounds far beyond what is typical for the variety. The result is an intensely aromatic, complex white with distinctive white peach and citrus character, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral finish. Aged in 95% stainless steel and 5% old oak for 10 months.
アルガブランカ クラレーザ
Arugabranca Claresa
WhiteKoshu · 甲州
The flagship white wine of Katsunuma Winery, Arugabranca Claresa (meaning 'clarity' in Portuguese) is crafted from Koshu grapes sourced from over 20 different vineyards across Katsunuma. Each plot is fermented separately, then blended to achieve a consistent and expressive style year after year. Aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks for 10 months using the sur lie method, the wine gains a characteristic richness and complexity while retaining the lively acidity and subtle bitterness distinctive of Koshu. Grapefruit citrus notes, mineral freshness, and a clean finish make it an ideal partner for Japanese cuisine.
アルガーノ フォーゴ
Arugano Fogo
RedMuscat Bailey A · Alicante · Black Queen · マスカット・ベーリーA · アリカント · ブラック・クイーン
Arugano Fogo ('Aruga's Fire' in Portuguese) is Katsunuma Winery's approachable everyday red, crafted from three indigenous and heritage Japanese grape varieties: Muscat Bailey A (53.5%), Alicante (38.5%), and Black Queen (8%). Muscat Bailey A was created by Zenbei Kawakami — 'the father of Japanese wine grapes' — and brings fresh red fruit character and gentle tannins. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel, preserving the vibrant fruit and lively acidity that make it an ideal food wine. Light-bodied with aromas of strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate, soft tannins, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who want to explore beyond European classics and discover what Japan's indigenous grapes can achieve at world-class level. For Japanese food enthusiasts who seek a wine that genuinely complements the subtle umami of washoku — from sashimi and sushi to tempura, yakitori, and dashi-based dishes. For curious drinkers who appreciate winery stories built on conviction: a family that abandoned Chardonnay and Cabernet to go all-in on Koshu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Katsunuma Winery different from other Japanese wineries?
- Katsunuma Winery is the pioneer that first brought Koshu wine to the global market. In 2003, their wine won a silver medal at France's Vinalies Internationales — the first ever for a dry Koshu wine. Under third-generation owner Yuji Ariga, the winery abandoned international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1990s to go all-in on Koshu and Muscat Bailey A. Their ARUGA brand (launched 2001) was designed from the outset to achieve international recognition while pairing with Japanese cuisine.
- What wines should I start with at Katsunuma Winery?
- The Arugabranca Claresa is the ideal entry point — a sur lie-aged Koshu white with citrus and gentle umami that pairs beautifully with most Japanese dishes. For a step up, the Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara is a single-vineyard wine from rare sandy-gravel soils in the Isehara district, offering greater complexity and concentration. For red wine, the Arugano Fogo blends Muscat Bailey A, Alicante, and Black Queen into a light, food-friendly red that can even be enjoyed slightly chilled.
- What food does Katsunuma Winery's wine pair with?
- The Arugabranca whites are specifically crafted for Japanese cuisine. They shine with sashimi and sushi (especially white fish, tuna with shiso, salmon roe), tempura, yakitori, grilled fish with miso, and dashi-based dishes like sukiyaki and chawanmushi. The subtle yuzu, citrus, and mineral character bridges the gap between wine and washoku flavors that often clash with European whites.
- Can I visit Katsunuma Winery?
- Yes. The winery is housed in a 140-year-old traditional Japanese merchant house in Katsunuma, Yamanashi, and is open for tastings and winery tours year-round (9:00–16:00, closed year-end/New Year). Two tour options are available: a staff-guided winery tour and a tasting-focused session. Tel: +81 (0)553-44-0069.
- What is the ARUGA brand and what does the name mean?
- ARUGA is the family name of the winery owners (有賀). The sub-brand 'Arugabranca' combines 'Aruga' with the Portuguese word 'branca' (white), while 'Arugano' uses an informal Portuguese suffix. Owner Yuji Ariga chose Portuguese-sounding names after noticing that 'Aruga' sounds Portuguese and that the Portuguese were among the first to introduce European wine to Japan.