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98WINEs

Yamanashi, Japan

Ethos: The power of wine. By meeting people from all over the world who resonate with their wines and ethos, by making new friends and finding new ways, the imperfect 98 can become a perfect 100.

The imperfect 98 can become a perfect 100
98Wines opened in 2017 by Yuki Hirayama, after a life time of working in Burgundy and Japan and at the age of 60, Yuki Hirayama finally achieved his dream owning his own winery and vineyards based on the concept of “the right variety for the right place in the right season.” In Japan this means planting vine varieties that thrive in the wet climate and natural conditions. Two varieties fitted the criteria: Muscat Bailey A (native to Niigata Prefecture) and Koshu (indigenous to Yamanashi Prefecture).


The wines

Red, white and rosé are all made from native grapes.
The red wines are from Muscat Bailey A. The grapes are crushed the traditional way, with the feet, transferred to vats and exposed to sunlight while being stirred outdoors three times a day. Then they are allowed to sleep in the cellar at night. The fermenting must is a lively combination of juice, yeast and carbon dioxide, the vats almost breathes as if they are alive. After three weeks the wine is put into barrels to rest and age.

For Koshu whole grape bunches are crushed allowing the stalks act as a filter, increasing the clarity of the juice during pressing. The juice is then fermented, and bottled directly without filtration.

The rosé is co-fermentation of Muscat Bailey A and Koshu.

Your visit

98 Wines is located just 100 kilometres from Tokyo with easy access by rail and road. The scenery and views to Mt. Fuji are stunning. A journey here is to indulge and delight all your senses. At weekends, hike in the vineyards and surrounding trails, enjoy a glass of wine and a meal after a wine tasting. Craft beer is on pour at the adjacent brewery and there’s a small hotel in the forest nearby where Japanese food is paired with local wines. From March to August scoff seasonal fruits including strawberries, cherries and peaches as well as table grapes in the autumn. All can be washed down with a chilled glass of Koshu or a delicious espresso served in the lovely tasting room.

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