About Pony Koshu Ouka
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- ¥2,200-3,100
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Pony Koshu Ouka is a special skin-contact bottling within Komazono Vineyard's entry-level Pony range, made from 100% Yamanashi-grown Koshu grapes. Unlike the standard Pony Koshu, the juice rests on its skins before pressing, drawing out a delicate cherry-blossom (sakura) pink hue and extra aromatic depth — retailers are careful to note it is neither a rosé nor an orange wine, but a white wine with skin-contact character. The nose shows Japanese citrus such as natsumikan and pink grapefruit, framed by crisp acidity and a faint, pleasant bitterness from the skins on the finish. The wine won a Gold Medal at the Feminalise World Wine Competition 2026 and has also been recognized at the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards.
Proof that skin contact isn't only for orange wine — Pony Koshu Ouka channels the technique into a genuinely distinct, award-winning white with real personality.
New to wine?
A striking cherry-blossom-pink white wine that's an easy conversation starter — approachable, citrusy, and photogenic.
Food Pairings
Its citrus-driven aromatics and light skin-contact bitterness pair well with tempura, grilled white fish, and dishes featuring yuzu or grapefruit. Also excellent alongside light salads and cherry-blossom season canapés.
When to drink it
Cherry blossom viewing (hanami), spring gatherings, and gifting.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Koshu grapes from Yamanashi Prefecture, vinified using the skin-contact (maceration) method: skins and juice are left in contact before pressing to extract color and aromatic compounds, producing a pale sakura-pink hue while remaining classified as a dry white wine.
About the producer
Komazono VineyardBoutique Koshu City winery with 80-year-old own-rooted vines甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1963Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Pony Koshu Ouka a rosé wine?
- No. Despite its pale cherry-blossom pink color, it is classified and sold as a dry white wine; retailers explicitly describe it as neither rosé nor orange wine.
- What gives Pony Koshu Ouka its pink color?
- The color comes from the skin-contact (maceration) method, in which the Koshu grape skins are left in contact with the juice before pressing, extracting pigment and aroma compounds.
- What awards has Pony Koshu Ouka won?
- It received a Gold Medal at the Feminalise World Wine Competition 2026 and has also been recognized at the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards.
- How is Pony Koshu Ouka different from the standard Pony Koshu?
- Standard Pony Koshu is a conventional fresh, fruity white with banana and melon notes, while Pony Koshu Ouka uses the skin-contact method to add a pink hue, citrus aromatics, and a subtle skin-derived bitterness.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier