Japanese Wine

Wine production only really began in Japan after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 made Japan more open to Western ideas, and the first commercial winery was established in 1877. At first sight, the high humidity and rainfall of Japan’s climate and its acidic soil do not make it ideal for viticulture. However, in spite of this vineyards have flourished in areas where conditions have been suitable, such as Yamanashi prefecture. The northern island of Hokkaido has also gained a good reputation for its wines.