Okunota Winery
奥野田葡萄酒醸造株式会社
Katsunuma pioneers of nitrogen-purged, low-intervention winemaking.
Okunota Winery is a boutique producer in Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi, in the heart of the Katsunuma winemaking area. Founded in 1962 when local farmers pooled grapes to make wine for their own use, it was taken over in 1989 by its current owner, who studied agronomy from the ground up on the principle that 'winemaking starts with high-quality grapes.' The winery farms 1.5 hectares of its own vineyards using natural cultivation methods, growing not only Koshu and Muscat Bailey A but also European varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In response to climate change, Okunota introduced Japan's first vacuum-type grape crusher, infusing nitrogen gas during crushing and fermentation to keep grapes and juice isolated from oxygen, minimizing the need for antioxidants. The result is a wine lineup — from light and refreshing to full-bodied — that fully expresses the power of the grapes and the character of the terroir.
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Who Is This For?
For drinkers who value transparent, terroir-driven Japanese wine and appreciate small producers pushing technical innovation to reduce additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Okunota Winery located?
- Okunota Winery is based in Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, within the greater Katsunuma winemaking area, one of Japan's oldest and most established wine regions.
- What makes Okunota Winery's winemaking process distinctive?
- The winery uses Japan's first vacuum-type grape crusher and infuses nitrogen gas from crushing through fermentation, isolating the grapes and juice from oxygen so that antioxidant use can be kept to a minimum.
- What grape varieties does Okunota Winery grow?
- Alongside Japan's signature Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, Okunota cultivates European varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay on its own 1.5-hectare vineyard.
- When was Okunota Winery founded?
- It was established in 1962 as a communal brewing facility for local grape growers, and re-founded in its current form in 1989 when its present owner took over.