About Maruki Winery
- Founded
- 1891
- 135 years ago
- Location
- 甲州市
- 山梨県
- Wines listed
- 7
- White 3, Rosé 1, Red 3
- Main grapes
- Muscat Bailey A, Koshu, Delaware
Founded in 1891 by Ryuken Tsuchiya in Katsunuma, Yamanashi, Maruki Winery is recognized as Japan's oldest existing winery. Tsuchiya was among the first Japanese sent to France in 1877 to study winemaking, returning with the conviction that 'if French wine pairs with French cuisine, Koshu grapes should pair with Japanese cuisine.' Over 130 years later, that philosophy still guides the winery's estate-grown Koshu, Muscat Bailey A, Kai Noir and Yamasoauvignon. Maruki practices non-tillage, grass-covered viticulture and lets sheep graze between the vine rows to control weeds and reduce pesticide use. Its wine lines range from the flagship Raison series, made from minimally-farmed estate fruit, to the everyday Maruki table wines. The winery's Iro Koshu 2024 and Rafeuille Tresor Barrel-Aged Muscat Bailey A 2022 both won Double Gold at Sakura Award 2025, and Maruki was named a recipient of the Japan Winery Award 2026. A 2024 renovation added the open-air IWAI TERRACE café and a craft brewery-restaurant overlooking the Kofu Basin.
Who Is This For?
For those who want to taste the origin story of Japanese wine and enjoy Koshu and Muscat Bailey A crafted specifically to pair with Japanese cuisine.
Wines of Maruki Winery
Location & Nearby
- Address
- 山梨県甲州市勝沼町下岩崎2488View map ↗
- Founded
- 1891
Source: marukiwine.co.jp (checked Sep 2026)
The pin with the gold outline marks Maruki Winery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Maruki Winery really the oldest winery in Japan?
- Yes. Maruki Winery was established in 1891 by Ryuken Tsuchiya, one of the first two Japanese sent to France in 1877 to study winemaking, and it is widely recognized as Japan's oldest existing winery.
- What grape varieties does Maruki Winery grow?
- Maruki farms its own vineyards in Katsunuma, focusing on the indigenous Koshu and Muscat Bailey A grapes, along with Kai Noir and Yamasoauvignon.
- What makes Maruki Winery's farming distinctive?
- The winery practices non-tillage, grass-covered viticulture and lets sheep graze between the vine rows to naturally control weeds, reducing pesticide use as part of its sustainability program.
- What food pairs well with Maruki wines?
- Following founder Ryuken Tsuchiya's philosophy that Koshu should suit Japanese cuisine as naturally as French wine suits French food, Maruki's Koshu wines are designed to complement dashi-based dishes, grilled and simmered fish, and other washoku.