GRAPE
Koshu, a grape that crossed borders.
Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0
26 September 2026 · Japanese Wine
In 2010 Koshu was registered with the International Organisation of Vine and Wine as a wine grape variety.
A name on the label
OIV registration allowed the variety's name on labels of wine exported to the EU. Muscat Bailey A followed in 2013, and Yamasachi in 2020.
"Nihon Wine" on the label
Since 30 October 2018, only wine made in Japan from 100% Japanese-grown grapes may be labeled Nihon Wine, with rules for place names, varieties and vintages too.
SOURCES
- 1果実酒に関するもの（お酒の豆知識）国税庁 東京国税局 National Tax Agency, Tokyo · Government · accessed 2026-09-26
- 2甲州が OIV を登録山梨県 Yamanashi Prefecture · Government · accessed 2026-09-26
PHOTO CREDITS
All image credits →- 1Koshu grapes — 江戸村のとくぞう · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons