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L'Orient Shirayuri Winery: A Taste of Japanese Terroir

Discover Yamanashi's L'Orient Shirayuri Winery: A blend of tradition and terroir in Japan's renowned Koshu Valley wine region.

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L'Orient Shirayuri Winery, nestled in Yamanashi's Koshu Valley, has been crafting wines since 1938, aiming for European quality using locally grown grapes. Visitors can tour the winery, sample wines, and even try their hand at glassmaking.

A brief summary to L'Orient Shirayuri Winery

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the grape harvest season (August-October) for the most vibrant vineyard scenery.
  • Book tours and experiences in advance, especially for the special wine tour or glassmaking workshop.
  • Try the local Koshu wines, known for their delicate flavors that pair well with Japanese cuisine.
  • Check the winery's website for temporary closures during festivals or holidays.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Katsunumabudokyo Station, take the Koshu City Citizen Bus (Grape Course 1) to the Todoroki Kominkaikan-mae bus stop. The winery is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Bus fares are around ¥200-300 [CHECK THIS]. Alternatively, a taxi from the station will cost approximately ¥1,500-¥2,000 [CHECK THIS].

  • Driving

    L'Orient Shirayuri Winery is approximately 10 minutes from the Katsunuma Interchange (IC) on the Chuo Expressway. Parking is available at the winery with 30 spaces for cars and 8 for buses. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of L'Orient Shirayuri Winery

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Discover more about L'Orient Shirayuri Winery

L'Orient Shirayuri Winery, established in 1938, carries the French name 'L'Orient' (meaning 'Orient') to signify its ambition to produce wines rivaling those of Europe. Located in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, the heart of Japanese winemaking, the winery benefits from a climate ideal for grape cultivation. Katsunuma's history as a grape-growing region dates back centuries, with legends attributing the introduction of grapes to the Buddhist priest Gyoki in 718 AD. He is said to have taught locals how to cultivate the Koshu grape, which remains popular today. The area's unique terroir, characterized by long hours of sunshine and temperature variations influenced by local winds, contributes to the distinctive flavors of the wines. L'Orient Shirayuri Winery cultivates a variety of grapes, including the indigenous Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, alongside European varieties, carefully selecting those best suited to the local conditions. Visitors can explore the winemaking process from grape to bottle, tour the cellars, and sample a range of wines. The winery also offers unique experiences such as grape stomping, raw wine bottling, and custom label making. For those interested in craftsmanship, the adjacent Katsunuma Glass Workshop offers the opportunity to create personalized wine glasses and other glass items. The winery is family-run and committed to sustainable practices, blending traditional methods with modern techniques to produce wines that reflect the unique character of the Koshu Valley.

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