Japanese wine has a quiet story to tell.

For more than 150 years, it has evolved alongside the rhythm of Japan’s land and people’s hands.
Yet, only in recent decades has the world begun to discover its voice.

In 2018, Japan officially defined “Japanese Wine” as wine made only from grapes harvested in Japan and fermented within the country.

This simple rule transformed the landscape of winemaking.
Growers began tending their own vines, and a new generation of small, dedicated producers emerged — crafting wines that truly express the taste of Japanese soil and air.

Learn more in the History of Japanese Wine

A Different Expression from Europe

The key word is water.

Where Europe’s vineyards grow in limestone-rich soils with hard water,
Japan’s volcanic soils bring forth soft water.
This difference changes everything — from fermentation to flavor.

Soft water slows the work of yeast, leading to gentle fermentations and delicate acidity.
Combined with Japan’s humid, rainfall-rich climate, the result is wines of elegance, subtlety, and quiet depth — wines that naturally pair with refined and balanced cuisine.

Explore Climate and Viticulture

What Defines Japanese Wine

Japanese wine carries its identity in three essential traits:

1. Native Grape Varieties
Japan has three grape varieties recognized by the OIV: Koshu, Yamasachi, and Muscat Bailey A. Each reflects the country’s unique climate and sensitivity to balance.

2. Gentle Wines from Table Grapes
Some of Japan’s most charming wines are made from grapes originally cultivated for eating — Delaware, Kyoho, and others. These wines offer soft aromas, light textures, and a subtle sweetness that invites harmony.

3. Small-Scale, Handcrafted Production
With limited land and steep mountain slopes, Japan’s vineyards are small and human-scale. Many wineries rely on handwork rather than machines, producing wines that carry the warmth and precision of human touch.

A Quiet Confidence

Today, Japanese wines are found in Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique cellars around the world. They are chosen not for power, but for balance, purity, and craftsmanship — qualities deeply rooted in Japanese culture itself.

At GUBI GUBI, we celebrate this quiet confidence — the subtle beauty that speaks softly yet leaves a lasting impression.

Discover Japanese Wine

Experience the gentle, refined character of Japan’s vineyards.

View all Japanese Wines
History of Japanese Wine
Climate and Viticulture