Kisvin Winery
キスヴィンワイナリー
One of Japan's most acclaimed wineries, Kisvin holds a 5-star rating at Japan Winery Award 2025 and was praised by the late Gérard Basset—widely regarded as the world's finest sommelier. Their Koshu is served in ANA First Class, and their hand-covered 'umbrella' viticulture technique is a defining innovation in Japanese wine.
Kisvin Winery was founded in 2013 in Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, by a partnership of two specialists: third-generation viticulturist Yasuhiro Ogihara and internationally-trained winemaker Mayu Saito. The name 'Kisvin' is a coined term meaning 'Kiss the Grapes.' Saito studied winemaking at California State University, Fresno, and trained at Domaine Jean Collet in Chablis, Burgundy, before joining the winery. The duo cultivates approximately 5 hectares of vineyards, growing Koshu and Chardonnay for whites, Pinot Noir and Syrah for reds, and Zinfandel for rosé. Their most innovative technique involves hand-covering each grape bunch with specially designed silver umbrellas to shield them from direct sunlight and morning dew—allowing Koshu grapes to ripen while retaining green color and freshness. In 2017, world-renowned sommelier Gérard Basset (holder of five Master of Wine titles) visited Kisvin and publicly praised their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 2019, Kisvin Koshu was selected for ANA international first-class service. Saito was featured on NHK's 'Professional: A Work of Passion' (2021). In 2025, Kisvin received the prestigious 5-star rating at the Japan Winery Award (JWA), the highest honor given to wineries producing wines of outstanding quality across many varieties and vintages.
www.kisvin.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Wine lovers curious about world-class Japanese wine; those who want to explore native Koshu grape variety; drinkers who appreciate the story of passionate viticulture and winemaking partnership; anyone seeking an elegant, food-friendly white wine with a compelling narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Kisvin Winery unique among Japanese wineries?
- Kisvin is built on a partnership between a third-generation grape farmer (Yasuhiro Ogihara) and an internationally trained winemaker (Mayu Saito). Their core philosophy is that 'if you grow exceptional grapes, winemaking becomes simple.' This commitment to viticulture is expressed through their signature 'umbrella technique'—hand-covering each grape bunch with specially designed silver umbrellas to protect the fruit from sunlight and morning dew, allowing Koshu grapes to ripen slowly while retaining freshness.
- What grape varieties does Kisvin grow?
- Kisvin cultivates approximately 5 hectares of vineyards in Koshu City, Yamanashi. They grow Koshu and Chardonnay for white wines, Pinot Noir and Syrah for reds, and Zinfandel for rosé. The native Koshu variety is their signature, but their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have also attracted international attention.
- What awards and recognition has Kisvin Winery received?
- Kisvin received a 5-star rating at the Japan Winery Award (JWA) 2025—the highest honor given to wineries producing outstanding wines across multiple varieties and vintages. In 2017, world-renowned sommelier Gérard Basset praised their wines publicly, bringing global attention. In 2019, Kisvin Koshu was selected for ANA international First Class service. Winemaker Mayu Saito was featured on NHK's 'Professional: A Work of Passion' in 2021.
- Who is the winemaker at Kisvin Winery?
- Mayu Saito is the winemaking director. She became passionate about winemaking during a grape harvest program at university, then studied at California State University, Fresno (winemaking major), was appointed brewing assistant at the school's winery due to outstanding grades, and trained at Domaine Jean Collet in Chablis, Burgundy in 2010. She joined Kisvin in 2013.
- Can I visit Kisvin Winery for a tasting?
- Yes, Kisvin Winery is open for visits from 9:00 to 17:00 (closed during year-end/New Year). Tastings are available free of charge. Tour content varies depending on the season and work schedule, so advance contact is recommended. The winery is located in Shioyama, Koshu City, Enzan, Yamanashi Prefecture.