Soryu Winery

The history of Soryu Budoshu begins with a communal winery in Katsunuma during the Meiji era. Ever since its founding in 1899, it has walked alongside local grape farmers and contributed to the development of Japanese winemaking. Even after transitioning to today's corporate structure, it carries on the spirit of family management rooted in Katsunuma.

The company name "Soryu" (Blue Dragon) derives from the name of the guardian deity of the east among the protectors of the four directions that appear in Chinese lore. In Katsunuma, located in the eastern part of the Kofu Basin, the winery's name embodies the wish to protect and nurture the orthodoxy of Koshu wine under the name of the "dragon that guards the east."

Its production reaches roughly several hundred tons a year, boasting top-class output among small and mid-size wineries. At the same time, while undergoing generational change, its brewing staff includes many of the younger generation, who carry on the brewing techniques accumulated over its history while taking in new sensibilities and drinkers' tastes. It pursues winemaking that balances tradition with updating.

To draw out the potential of Koshu grapes, its product range is wide-ranging — from a fresh style via stainless-tank fermentation to a fuller style combining oak-barrel aging. Cuvées such as "Citrus Scent Koshu," "Traditional Rich Taste Koshu" and "Hikawa Valley Koshu Barrel-Fermented" have won Gold Prizes and category top awards at the Japan Wine Competition and overseas competitions, conveying the appeal of Koshu wine at home and abroad.

Also known as a Katsunuma sightseeing spot, the winery runs tours of its underground cave, brewing facilities and own vineyards. At the shop you can taste about 40 kinds of wine and juice, and it is cherished as a place where everyone, from wine beginners to enthusiasts, can meet their own "favorite bottle." With good access from the Katsunuma interchange and the nearest station, it is also ideal to visit as a starting point for winery-hopping.

Founded in 1899, a long-established winery that represents Katsunuma

Founded in 1899, Soryu Budoshu is one of the wineries with the longest histories in Katsunuma. Located on the eastern side of the Kofu Basin, it has continued making wine centered on Koshu grapes since the dawn of Japanese wine.

A diverse lineup that champions "the orthodoxy of Koshu wine"

Using Koshu, Muscat Bailey A and European varieties, it offers a broad range — fresh new wine, barrel-aged types, sparkling, and one-sho-bottle wine. Known as one of the originators of preservative-free wine, it proposes domestic wine that accompanies the everyday table.

Signature cuvées with a rich award record, and tastings of 40+ varieties

It has many labels highly rated at competitions at home and abroad — "Citrus Scent Koshu," "Traditional Rich Taste Koshu," "Hikawa Valley Koshu Barrel-Fermented" and more. At the shop attached to the winery you can taste about 40 kinds of wine, and tours are also available.