What are some good Japanese wines?

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I just got back from the Salon des Vins Japonais in Beaune, and let me tell you — Japanese wine is having a moment. If you’ve been curious but don’t know where to start, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

Instead of overwhelming you with wine theory, I’m sharing the standout producers, who make some of the best Japanese wines, anyway wines you should absolutely try (if you can get your hands on them). Let’s dive in!

12 Must-try Japanese wines

1. Domaine Takahiko (Hokkaido)

If you’ve never had Japanese Pinot Noir, start here. Domaine Takahiko, founded in 2010 by Takahiko Soga, has become one of the most sought-after wineries in Japan. Soga, who honed his skills at Coco Farm & Winery, was inspired by the natural, terroir-driven wines of Jura, France, and brought that philosophy to Yoichi, Hokkaido.

He works organically, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir, and follows a strict minimal intervention approach—whole-cluster fermentation, wild yeasts, and little to no sulfites. The result? Delicate, ethereal Pinot Noirs with bright red fruit, floral notes, and a signature Japanese freshness.

Wine to try: Nana-Tsu-Mori Pinot Noir – Silky, refined, and incredibly hard to find. If you come across a bottle, don’t hesitate.

Wine to try: Nana-Tsu-Mori Pinot Noir – Silky, floral, and full of red fruit. If you find it, grab it.

2. Coco Farm & Winery (Tochigi)

More than just a winery, Coco Farm & Winery is a story of inclusion, transparency, and dedication. Founded in 1950 as a project to provide meaningful work for people with disabilities, it has since grown into one of Japan’s most respected and heartfelt wine producers.

What sets them apart? Their commitment to transparency—from explaining every step of the winemaking process to educating consumers about wine sediment (yes, those little crystals at the bottom of your glass are totally natural!). But beyond that, they craft high-quality wines, often using hybrid grape varieties adapted to Japan’s challenging climate.

Wine to try: Novo – A crisp, citrusy sparkling wine that’s fresh, vibrant, and perfect for celebrations.

3. Domaine Fermier (Nagano)

Pioneers of Albariño cultivation in Japan, Domaine Fermier is situated on coastal sand dunes along the Sea of Japan. They embraced this Spanish varietal early on, producing wines that draw comparisons to Muscadet.

Wine to Try: Albariño – Crisp and refreshing, with saline minerality reflecting its coastal terroir.

4. Domaine Kurambon (Yamanashi)

One of Japan’s historic wineries, based in Koshu country (aka the birthplace of Japan’s most famous white grape) is Kurambon winery. They blend old-school Japanese winemaking traditions with modern techniques, and it really works.

Wine to try: Koshu Sur Lie – Light, crisp, with a bit of creamy texture from the lees aging. A perfect intro to Japanese white wine.

5. Kusunoki Winery (Nagano)

Nagano is a serious wine region now, and Kusunoki is leading the charge with European varieties adapted to Japan’s climate. They do Chardonnay, Merlot, and even Cabernet Franc—all with a unique Japanese touch.

Wine to try: Chardonnay Barrel Aged – Smooth, with just the right amount of oak and a hint of vanilla.

6. Sanwa Shurui (Oita)

These guys are better known for shochu, but their wine game is getting strong! At Sanwa Shurui, they make fun, fruit-forward wines that are super easy to drink.

Wine to try: Ajimu Budou Shu Rosé – Think fresh strawberries in a glass.

7. Camel Farm (Hokkaido)

Another Hokkaido gem, but totally different from Domaine Takahiko. Camel Farm focuses on cool-climate varieties like Kerner, Zweigelt, and even some hybrid grapes you don’t see anywhere else.

Not usually ones I would put among the best Japanese wines (too influenced by Italian winemaking) but my last tasting of their wines was actually really good!

Wine to try: Pinot Noir

8. Domaine Bless (Nagano)

Natural wine lovers, pay attention! Domaine Bless is all about organic, low-intervention winemaking. No additives, no filtering—just pure grape goodness.

Wine to try: Musubi – Aromatic, slightly funky, full of personality.

9. Domaine Takizawa (Saitama)

A tiny boutique winery making handcrafted wines with extreme attention to detail. If you like small-batch, hard-to-find wines, Takizawa winery is one to watch.

Wine to try: Takizawa Pinot Noir – Deep, smooth, and perfect for a cozy night in.

10. Domaine Takeda (Yamagata)

One of Japan’s oldest and most respected wineries, Domaine Takeda does traditional method sparkling wines that can hold their own against Champagne.

Wine to try: Takeda Red – A bold, structured red with dark berry flavors.

11. Cave d’Occi (Niigata)

Cave d’Occi winery is super innovative, playing around with different styles, from sparkling to barrel-aged reds. Their sparkling wines are seriously good.

Wine to try: Cave d’Occi Brut – Green apple, fresh acidity, fine bubbles.

12. Suntory Tomi No Oka (Yamanashi)

Yes, Suntory makes wine, and they do it well. Tomi No Oka is their high-end estate, producing elegant, age-worthy wines.

Wine to try: Tomi Red – Rich, velvety, and layered with dark fruit.

How to Try These Wines?

Okay, so now that you know the wineries, here’s the big question: How do you actually get your hands on some of the best Japanese wines?

💡 Join a tasting with me!
Want to taste some of these wines? Send me a message to join my next private tasting session.

🍾 Want to buy some?
These wines can be tricky to find in France, but I can help. Drop me a message, and I’ll see what’s available!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Japanese wine before, this is your sign to start. The diversity, the elegance, the stories behind each bottle—there’s so much to discover.

So, what do you think? Which winery sounds the most intriguing to you? Drop a comment, and let’s chat about it!

Kanpai!

Where to next?

Book your tasting

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Japanese wine regions

Curious about Japanese wine regions? 🍷 This post explores Japan’s top wine areas—Yamanashi, Nagano, Yamagata, and Hokkaido—highlighting the grapes, climates, and winemaking styles that make each region unique. Discover how volcanic soils, high altitudes, and innovative winemaking create fresh, nuanced wines perfect for pairing with Asian cuisine. Ready to explore Japan’s growing wine scene?

Best Japanese wine bars in Tokyo

Looking for the best Japanese wine bars in Tokyo? 🍷 This post highlights top spots like Japan Wine Nakamura, Ozosakura, and Winestand Waltz, where you can enjoy a curated selection of some of the best Japanese wines. Whether you prefer cozy counter seating, tasting flights, or natural wines, these bars offer a deep dive into Japan’s growing wine culture. Perfect for discovering new favorites!

How to pair your Japanese white wine?

Not sure what to eat with Japanese white wine? I’ve put together a few favourite pairings—from Koshu with sushi to Albariño with grilled shellfish. Simple ideas that work well and taste great.H

How to pair your Japanese red wines?

Wondering what to eat with Japanese red wine? I’ve pulled together some easy pairings—like Muscat Bailey A with ramen or Cabernet Franc with Wagyu. Nothing fancy, just good food and wine that work well together.