Japan Wine Competition (Nihon Wine Competition) 2026 Judging Session to be Held

The Japan Wine Competition Executive Committee will hold the "Japan Wine Competition (Nihon Wine Competition) 2026," targeting "Japanese wine" made in Japan using 100% domestic grapes.

This competition is held with the aim of improving the quality and recognition of Japanese wine, as well as enhancing its individuality and status. This year marks the 22nd iteration.

This year, a total of 886 entries were received from 158 wineries in 35 prefectures nationwide (previous year: 153 wineries, 860 entries).

A new category, "Orange Wine Division," has been established this year, focusing on production methods. Furthermore, foreign judges will be invited, continuing from the previous year, to provide an international perspective on the evaluation.

We kindly request your cooperation in covering the judging session and disseminating the individuality and appeal of Japanese wine and domestic wineries.

In recent years, Japanese wine has achieved remarkable evolution in both quality and individuality, increasing its presence on the world stage. To provide an opportunity to convey the passion of the producers who have repeatedly experimented while embracing the land's unique characteristics and confronting the climate, seminars and winery exchange events will be held later, featuring tastings of award-winning wines.

* Japan Wine Competition Executive Committee: (Members) Japan Wineries Association, Japan Sommelier Association Inc., Japan Association of Viticultural and Enological Sciences, Hokkaido Wine Council, Yamagata Prefecture Wine & Spirits Makers Association, Nagano Wine Association, Yamanashi Wine Manufacturers Association, University of Yamanashi Center for Research of Wine Science, Yamanashi Prefecture

Judging Session Overview

Date and Time of Judging Session

July 8, Reiwa 8 (Wed) 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Judges' Meeting

9:45 AM - 6:00 PM Judging

July 9 (Thu) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Judging

Venue

Aimesse Yamanashi (2192-8 Otsu-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Media Coverage

(1) Application for Coverage

Advance application is required for coverage. Please apply by FAX or email (tsukada-amvb@pref.yamanashi.lg.jp) using the application form below by July 3 (Fri).

(2) Coverage Times

To ensure the integrity of the strict judging process, coverage times within the venue will be as follows. Your cooperation is appreciated.

〇 Interview with the Chief Judge

July 8 (Wed) 12:50 PM - 1:00 PM

* The start time may vary depending on the progress of the judging.

〇 Photography Allowed in Venue

July 8 (Wed) 12:10 PM - 12:50 PM

July 9 (Thu) 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

* For coverage outside of these times, the secretariat will be available outside the venue.

Future Schedule (Details to be announced later)

Judging Results Announcement & Press Conference

Date

July 24, Reiwa 8 (Fri)

Time

2:00 PM - (Reception: 1:30 PM -) (Scheduled)

Venue

3rd Floor Main Hall, Yamanashi Prefectural Government Annex Building (1-6-1 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Attendees

Executive Committee Chairman Toru Okuda, Chief Judge Kazuya Oyama

* Judging results will be announced on the official website (https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/jwine/index.html).

Award Ceremony, Award-Winning Wine Seminar, Winery Exchange Event

Date

August 3, Reiwa 8 (Mon)

Time

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Award Ceremony

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Award-Winning Wine Seminar

3:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Winery Exchange Event

Venue

・Award Ceremony: Yamanashi Prefectural Government Main Hall (Annex 3rd Floor: 1-6-1 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

・Award-Winning Wine Seminar: Chateraise Hotel Danrokan 2nd Floor "Crystal"

・Winery Exchange Event: Chateraise Hotel Danrokan 2nd Floor "Sanmyaku"

Attendees

Honorary Chairman of the Executive Committee Kotaro Nagasaki, Chairman Toru Okuda, Chief Judge Kazuya Oyama, Winery Representatives

【Scene from the Japan Wine Competition Judging Session】