Morita Koshu Winery
盛田甲州ワイナリー
Katsunuma winery carrying Edo-era brewing roots into modern Koshu wine
Morita Koshu Winery, known by its brand name Chanmoris, was founded in 1973 in Katsunuma, the historic heart of Japanese winemaking, in Yamanashi Prefecture. The winery traces its roots to the Morita family, sake, miso, and soy sauce brewers in Owari (present-day Aichi Prefecture) since the Edo period. In 1881 the 11th-generation head, Kyuzaemon Morita, first attempted to cultivate wine grapes, but the venture collapsed after phylloxera devastated the vineyards. Nearly a century later, in 1973, Kazuaki Morita, second son of the 14th-generation Kyuzaemon, revived the family's winemaking dream by establishing the winery in Katsunuma. Combining generations of brewing expertise with modern technique, Chanmoris has earned international recognition, including gold medals at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards for its Koshu wines, and top honors at the Japan Wine Competition.
www.chanmoris.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
No cuvées registered yet.
Who Is This For?
For those seeking historic, award-winning Koshu wines that pair beautifully with Japanese cuisine, from a flagship winery in Katsunuma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Morita Koshu Winery located?
- The winery is located in Katsunuma, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture (2842 Katsunuma, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu-shi), the historic center of Japanese wine production.
- What is the origin of the brand name 'Chanmoris'?
- Chanmoris is the brand name adopted when the Morita family, brewers of sake, miso, and soy sauce since the Edo period, founded the winery in Katsunuma in 1973.
- Is Morita Koshu Winery the same as 'Koshu' the appellation?
- No. Despite the name, the winery is not tied to the broader Koshu City appellation as a whole — it is physically located in Katsunuma, Yamanashi's most concentrated and historic wine-producing district.
- What awards has the winery won?
- Its Koshu wines have won gold medals at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards, and top sectional honors at the Japan Wine Competition.
- Do their wines pair well with Japanese food?
- Yes, the winery's Koshu wines are crafted with delicate acidity and umami harmony specifically suited to Japanese cuisine, including sashimi and dashi-based dishes.