WineHandpicked by IWSC

Seven award-winning Japanese wines to discover

From stellar international varieties to Japan's signature Koshu grape, discover seven of the best Japanese wines from the IWSC 2024

Words by IWSC Judges

koshu grapes being picked from vine in japan
Handpicked by IWSC
Some of the best Japanese wine is made using the country's signature pink-skinned Koshu grape

Japan may not be the first wine-producing country on your lips but the Japanese have been making wine for more than 1,000 years – the first vines were planted on the main island of Honshu at Katsunuma in the prefecture (region) of Yamanashi as far back as the 8th century. Japan makes a varied selection of wines from its 18,000 hectares of vineyards, and we’ve put together a list of the best Japanese wines based on expert picks from this year’s IWSC.

The first commercial vineyards in Japan were planted in Yamanashi 150 years ago and since then, more than 200 wineries have been founded – Japan is, by some distance, the leading Asian country in terms of wine consumption.

The grape varieties used in Japan vary from the familiar French varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to the star performer: Koshu. This delicate pink-skinned variety is much loved in its homeland, and its tolerance against humidity – a perennial problem in Japan – gives it an edge over its Western cousins.

A vineyard in Japan's Yamanashi wine region

Koshu typically produces a light, subtle white wine reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc and it’s the ideal pairing with Japanese cuisine. One bottle made from this grape shone in particular in 2024 with Suntory’s Tomi Koshu impressing the judges with ‘pretty persimmon, floral and rosewood aromas’ and superb balance. A Gold medal winner, it scored 95/100pts.

The top-scoring wine was Takahata’s Oura Chardonnay 2022, which scored 96/100 thanks in part to ‘wonderful fresh acidity balancing creaminess from the oak’. In terms of red international varieties, a Merlot supplemented with a little Cabernet Sauvignon also stood out; also from Takahata, the 2019 Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon scored 92/100 and was described as having a ’rounded and warming palate with flourishes of sweet spice and vanilla.’

A top panel of experts blind-tasted every Japanese wine entered in this year’s IWSC. We’re delighted to present our selection of the best Japanese wines as tasted at this year’s IWSC.

pink koshu grape on the vine in japan

HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE WINES?

We run a tightly structured, rigorous wine tasting process. That means that each wine sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC wine judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the wine industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.

HOW DO WE SCORE THESE WINES?

Only the best wines sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, wines have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.

MORE FROM CLUB OENOLOGIQUE

Club O is a premium lifestyle publication for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits and other interesting drinks. Based in London, our team of expert writers seek out thoughtful stories that introduce our readers to new people, places, drinking discoveries and insights, as well as exploring fresh perspectives on familiar themes. Membership to The Collection offers exclusive access to leading critics’ tasting reports, scores, tastings and events, especially tailored to collectors and investors. Our flagship Club Oenologique magazine offers even more insights for enthusiasts and collectors.