I visited Yamanashi for the first time last week. It wasn’t the most ideal time to visit because we were coming out of winter and the peaches and grapes were not ready to come out to play.

We did hit up a few wineries, which was the main goal of the trip. I learnt about the two main varietals: Muscat Bailey A and Koshu. I much prefer the latter.

I have the recs below, along with a couple of food and coffee places.

Wineries

Lumiere Winery
The set lunch is reasonably priced at 55,000 yen but don’t expect huge portions. Good selection of wine.

Grace Wine
Tasting is available. Their Koshu wines are pretty good.

Ardega Vinicola D Arvga
Wide selection of tasting is available albeit through the machine. You have to buy a card for 1,600 yen but you’d only get 1,000 yen in credit. The balance is for the card itself. They wouldn’t change glasses for us; you have to wash it yourself at the sink between tasting.

Mars Hosaka Winery
They’re strict about not allowing the driver to taste. But it has a cosy decor with a great view of Fuji-san (on a clear day).

MGVs Winery
Their founder used to manufacture semiconductors before pivoting to wine. I like their point of view. The cellar looks like a science lab.

Chateau Mercian
Tasting is a tad expensive: 20,000 yen for 3 whites and 33,000 yen for 2 premium reds. Nice view of the mountains.

Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery
Depending on which GPS you use, it could be a challenge to get to but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Gorgeous, French-style estate with a large selection of wines to taste. The designated driver has to wear a lanyard so they know who not to serve wine to.

Food and coffee

Curry Udon Restaurant Sasa
One of the best meals I had in this trip. Unlike other curry udons, this one has a thick, Indian-inspired curry with beef charsiew.

Akito Coffee https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z9FuDDdANaQcpoC47?g_st=ic
Quaint little shop in the middle of town. The coffee and pastry is pretty average. Seating upstairs is tiny and the toilet is even tinier.

人生食堂 こばやし
Cheap and cheerful family-run restaurant. There’s no English menu or pictures you can point to. Food is outstanding for its price. Avoid peak hours as it’s popular with office workers.