Description
Backordered copies ship within 7–10 days.
Delivery times vary internationally and depend on local carriers/customs.
A comprehensive guide to Japanese Wine covering every region of Japan from Hokkaidō to Okinawa.
Learn about the history of wine in Japan, the geography and climate, the viticultural challenges and some unique local solutions.
Including over:
- 720 producers
- 130 grapes (82 of which are unique to Japan)
- 380 bars, restaurants and wine stores specialising in Japanese Wine
- 125 Japanese Wine fairs and festivals
- 115 cheese producers and some unique Japanese cheese
- 100 photos
- 65 maps
- 38 Japanese wineries and winemakers around the world
- 20 foreign winemakers in Japan
Plus suggested itineraries in the major wine regions (Hokkaidō, Yamanashi, Nagano, Yamagata and Ōsaka)
The ideal resource to:
-
- Understand all about Japanese Wine
- Locate producers of specific styles (premium, natural, traditional, off-piste)
- Find wineries that are open to the pubic, offer tastings, have great views, restaurants or accommodation
- Find wine bars and restaurants serving a range of Japanese Wines
- Read about the major historical figures and modern heroes of Japanese Wine
- Learn about the amazing women making wine in Japan, including superhero single mother
Includes a bonus chapter on the Japanese language and key characters.
Gain a Stain!
Customise your copy with a bespoke wine stain, drawn from one of the iconic wines or wineries featuring in the book.
Each stain is inspired by the Wine Fogg logo, creating a unique mark that connects your edition to the stories within.
All samples come directly from the author’s private collection, care of a Coravin, and will be carefully applied by hand, to order.
Wine splodge options:
| Wine | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Château Mercian Shiojiri Merlot 2019 | Nagano | From the iconic producer who established Nagano’s reputation with Merlot |
| Domaine Sogga (Obusé Winery) Pinot Noir 2021 | Nagano | Produced by the iconic Usuke Boy, Akihiko Soga (Takahiko Soga’s older brother) |
| Takahiko Soga Yoichi‑Nobori O‑Lie 2020C | Hokkaidō | Passetoutgrain (Pinot Noir + Zweigelt) from Yoichi’s most iconic producer |
| Chitose Winery Kimura Pinot Noir 2023 | Hokkaidō | From the iconic Kimura Vineyard, the first and oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in Japan |
| Furano Wine Higuma no Banshaku 2022 | Hokkaidō | From the rare Japanese hybrid grape Furano #2 (Siebel 13053 x Yamabudō) grown exclusively by Furano Wine |
| Tokachi Wine Kiyomi 2021 | Hokkaidō | From rare the rare Kiyomi hybrid, a clone selection of Siebel 13053 (aka “Cascade”) selected by the winery |
Leigh Dryden –
For those like minded people like me who are looking to constantly improve our knowledge of the world of wine here is a new book that must be in your wine library.
Authored by Nick Rowan his book entitled simply Japanese Wine is bound to become a seminal insight into the state of Japanese wine. This insight has long been overdue as few books have been written about Japanese and even fewer are available in English.
Japanese wine is on the cusp of greatness and the industry is one that pays homage to the past and respects the impact of the future, I know that this book will be a great resource for me when I am back in Japan next April.
Nick all I can say is thank you for your wonderful contribution to my knowledge of wine……btw this book is available on Amazon and in a demand printing format.
Originally reviewed on LinkedIn by Leigh Dryden, Wholesale Sales Manager Matt Atallah Wines.
http://www.decantethis.com
Reproduced with permission from Leigh, along with his kind private notes:
“Hi Nick just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your new book on Japanese wine, this type of insight has been a long time coming and you have nailed it.”
“What a fantastic and detailed insight you have created“
Gotthilf Sik –
This book is nothing short of outstanding, comprehensively and meticulously researched guide to Japanese grape wine.
From history and terroir to grape varieties, producers, regional distinctions, and winemaking philosophy, every chapter is richly detailed and thoughtfully organised.
The writing is accessible and engaging for both wine professionals and curious enthusiasts.
Complex topics—such as Japan’s unique climate challenges, viticultural techniques, and regulatory landscape—are explained with precision and nuance, without ever becoming overwhelming.
The regional breakdowns are especially impressive, offering deep insight into areas like Yamanashi, Hokkaido, Nagano, while also highlighting individual producers.
Highly recommended.
Originally reviewed on Amazon for the paperback version (identical content) by Gotti.
Keita Woj –
What can I say: this is the most comprehensive book on Japanese wine in any language available at the moment, and I personally doubt that it will be surpassed in the near future, and if so, most likely it will be in Japanese.
Where can I start: Japanese grape varieties, 82 of them plus more international ones grown there. Wineries, over 700 plus wineries world wide with Japanese owners or winemakers.
The book is both practical, especially if planning a wine trip to Japan, but also caters to wine nerds interested in viticultural practices, which are influenced by Japan’s unique climate.
The only drawback, for me, the font size is smallish, as there is just so much info that would otherwise make this an unwieldy book I’d suppose.
Originally reviewed on Amazon by Keita Woj.
Unicorn Wines –
Without a doubt, an essential book for understanding Japanese wines. Educational and full of valuable information. It has been a real pleasure to learn more about such a fascinating subject. Thank you, Nick! Great work.
Originally reviewed on Amazon by Unicorn Wines, Spain
Paul Travers –
Absolutely the most thoroughly researched book on wine in Japan! I’ve traveled to Japan many, many times over more than 40 years and have visited wineries in Nagano, Tochigi and Hokkaido, but this book greatly enhanced my understanding and knowledge of Japanese wines. A must read if you have any interest at all in Japan, wine but especially in Japanese wine!
Originally reviewed on Amazon by Paul Travers of Nippon Naturals wine importer, USA