Sanwa Shurui's 'Ajimu Wine' Wins Double Gold at Asia's Largest Wine Competition, 'Sakura Award 2026'!
Sanwa Shurui's 'Ajimu Wine' has received a Double Gold award at the Sakura Award 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:44
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 11m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 05:59 (391h 3m after Collected)
Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Usa City, Oita Prefecture / President: Kazuki Nishi) is pleased to announce that its 'Ajimu Wine Albariño Yazu' (vin.2024) and 'Ajimu Wine Francisco Delaware' (vin.2024), brewed at the Ajimu Winery (Usa City, Oita Prefecture / Winery Manager: Koji Furuya), have received the prestigious Double Gold award at the "Sakura Award 2026 ("SAKURA" Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2026), a wine competition selected by female wine professionals active in the industry.
Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that 'Ajimu Wine Shokoushi' (vin.2023) and 'Ajimu Wine Souka Campbell Early' (vin.2025) have received Gold awards.
We consider this achievement to be highly significant, reflecting the dedicated efforts of our local grape producers who cooperate with us in grape cultivation, as well as the high regard for our company's ongoing commitment to winemaking. With this award as a catalyst, we will continue to strive for the further improvement of our unique Ajimu grape varietal cultivation research and brewing techniques, pursuing "winemaking rooted in the region and loved by everyone."
About the "Sakura Award ("SAKURA" Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2026)"
The "Sakura Award" is Asia's largest and most prestigious international wine competition, held annually since 2014.
The judging process involves blind tasting by female wine professionals (sommeliers, wine importers, distributors, wine shop owners, winemakers, wine school instructors, and wine journalists), with scores out of 100 points. Based on the evaluation results, "Diamond Trophy," "Double Gold," "Gold," and "Silver" awards are selected.
The judging for the 13th edition in 2026 was held on February 3rd (Tuesday) in Osaka (Hotel Nikko Osaka) and February 6th (Friday) in Tokyo (Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel). A total of 3,715 entries from 37 countries participated, with 274 items receiving "Double Gold," 1,272 items receiving "Gold," and 714 items receiving "Silver," for a total of 2,260 award-winning items.
About the Award-Winning Wines
■ Double Gold
'Ajimu Wine Albariño Yazu' (vin.2024)
FAQ
What is the Sakura Award?
The Sakura Award ("SAKURA" Japan Women’s Wine Awards) is Asia's largest and most prestigious international wine competition, established in 2014. It is judged by female wine professionals through blind tasting.
Which wines from Sanwa Shurui won awards at the Sakura Award 2026?
Sanwa Shurui's 'Ajimu Wine Albariño Yazu' (vin.2024) and 'Ajimu Wine Francisco Delaware' (vin.2024) won Double Gold. 'Ajimu Wine Shokoushi' (vin.2023) and 'Ajimu Wine Souka Campbell Early' (vin.2025) won Gold.
How many wines participated in the Sakura Award 2026?
A total of 3,715 wine items from 37 countries participated in the Sakura Award 2026.
What is the significance of the Double Gold award?
The Double Gold award is one of the top accolades given at the Sakura Award, signifying exceptional quality and recognition from the all-female judging panel.
What is Sanwa Shurui's commitment to winemaking?
Sanwa Shurui is committed to 'winemaking rooted in the region and loved by everyone.' They focus on cultivating unique local grape varieties and continuously improving their brewing techniques, valuing the collaboration with local grape producers.