NEWS
JAPAN’S 98WINES IS ASIA’S ONLY WINNER IN WORLD’S 50 BEST WINERIES 2024
By Susan Lewis
11-7-2024
Source: 98Wines/Instagram
Japan’s 98Wines is the only winery in Asia made to the list of World’s 50 Best Wineries 2024 announced earlier this week.
Founded in 2017 by keen Japanese wine maker Yuki Hirayama , 98Wines sits at the second last spot at no.49 on a list dominated by wineries in Europe and and South America.
Taking the crown this year is Spain’s Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, followed by Chile’s VIK in second place and South Africa’s Creation at third.
Not too far from Asia, Australia’s D’Arenberg won 32nd place, while Penfolds’ Magill Estate is no.37.
Source: 98Wines/Instagram
Asia’s only winner 98Wines is located just 100 kilometres from Tokyo with easy access by rail and road. Vineyards here are planted with Japan’s native varieties Muscat Bailey A and Koshu.
Founder Hirayama had worked in Burgundy and Japan before achieving his dream of owning his own winery and vineyards at the age of 60.
He runs his vineyards and winery based on the concept of “the right variety for the right place in the right season.”
98Wines makes red wines from Muscat Bailey A and white wines from the Koshu grapes. It also makes rosé wine from co-fermentation of Muscat Bailey A and Koshu.
The winery boasts a cosy tasting room for visitors. The scenery and views to Mt. Fuji makes it a good destination for weekend excursions for Tokyo residents.
Craft beer is on pour at the adjacent brewery and there’s a small hotel in the forest nearby where Japanese food is paired with local wines.
Source: Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal
The full list of the World’s Best Vineyards 2024
1. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal (Spain)
2. VIK (Chile)
3. Creation (South Africa)
4. Bodegas Ysios (Spain)
5. Schloss Johannisberg (Germany)
6. Maison Ruinart (France)
7. Château Smith Haut Lafitte (France)
8. Abadía Retuerta (Spain)
9. Weingut Dr. Loosen (Germany)
10. Finca Victoria – Durigutti Family Winemakers (Argentina)
11. Bodega Garzón (Uruguay)
12. Champagne Bollinger (France)
13. Château d’Yquem (France)
14. Tenuta Cavalier Pepe (Italy)
15. Quinta do Crasto (Portugal)
16. Robert Mondavi Winery (USA)
17. Montes (Chile)
18. Bodegas Salentein (Argentina)
19. Viu Manent (Chile)
20. Ceretto (Italy)
21. Château Pape Clément (France)
22. Castello Banfi (Italy)
23. Bodegas Muga (Spain)
24. Jordan Vineyard & Winery (USA)
25. Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli (Italy)
26. Matías Riccitelli (Argentina)
27. Champagne Billecart-Salmon (France)
28. Quinta do Bomfim, Symington Family Estates (Portugal)
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9. El Enemigo Wines (Argentina)
30. Marqués de Murrieta (Spain)
31. Bodegas Vivanco (Spain)
32. D’Arenberg (Australia)
33. Domäne Wachau (Austria)
34. Bodegas Tio Pepe (Spain)
35. Château Héritage (Lebanon)
36. Quinta do Noval (Portugal)
37. Magill Estate, Penfolds (Australia)
38. Bodega Bouza (Uruguay)
39. Bodega DiamAndes (Argentina)
40. Bodega Colomé (Argentina)
41. Klein Constantia Winery (South Africa)
42. M. Chapoutier (France)
43. Szepsy Winery (Hungary)
44. Duckhorn Vineyards (USA)
45. Gramona (Spain)
46. Château Kefraya (Lebanon)
47. Champagne Pommery (France)
48. 98WINEs (Japan)
49. Viña Casas del Bosque (Chile)
50. Gusbourne (England)
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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