<Location>

Katsunuma is the center of viniculture in Japan, and "Koshu grapes" has been grown for more than 1200 years here in Katsunuma.


Katsunuma is located in almost the center of main island of Japan , and is at the eastern part of Kofu valley in Yamanashi prefecture

Mountainious region and alluvial fans shaped by several rivers form geographic feature of Katsunuma. Total are of vineyard in Katsunuma is about 750ha. In the distance of the vineyard spread on the alluvial fans of Katsunuma, one can see the peaks of Japan Alps. The expression shown by the vineyard in the flow of four seasons colors the scenery of Katsunuma.

<History>

Once upon a time, Yamanashi prefecture was called "Koshu" , and then the name of a grape which was grown in Yamanashi became "Koshu grape".
The factors support viniculture in Katsunuma for more than 1200 years are many days of fine weather, extreme variation in temperature, and fertile soil with good drainage.

In Edo period (AD. 1603~1867), Katsunuma was a post-town called "Katsunuma Juku" of Koshu road which was a one of several roads run through Japan. A scene of "Katsunuma Juku" where grape arbors (traditional viniculture method on Japan) and tea house selling "Koshu grape" lined on the both side of the road , was very curious sight for travellers, and "Katsunuma Juku" was loved by travellers as a place to relief their fatigue. Tasty flavor of "Koshu grape" was spreaded all over Japan by word of mouth of travellers, and Katsunuma was known as "Village of grape". The grape storages and tea houses from that period still remain in Katsunuma,

In the present time , there are more than 30 unique wineries in Katsunuma. Wine aficionados from all over Japan and foreign countries visit wineries in Katsunuma and enjoy wines .

The climate, history and culture of Katsunuma have been brought up with "Koshu grape". Therefore, we could proudly send the wine "ARUGA BRANCA" that brews climate and culture of Japan from here Katsunuma aiming at the whole world.