Red wine from Kosaka, Akita wins gold at France's Féminalise competition
Wine Grand 2025, a red made by Kosaka Nanataki Winery in Kosaka, Akita Prefecture, has won a gold medal at a French international competition judged by women wine professionals.
Akita Prefecture, best known for its sake, has now won international recognition for its wine as well. Akita lies on the Sea of Japan coast in northern Honshu. In its north-eastern town of Kosaka, Kosaka Nanataki Winery’s red wine Wine Grand 2025 was awarded gold at the 20th Féminalise World Wine Competition 2026, held in France. The award was in the red wine category for “Japan Wine”. It was won by a young vintage made from grapes harvested in 2025.
A competition judged only by women
The Féminalise World Wine Competition is a French international competition in which women who work as wine professionals do the judging, and this was its 20th edition. Its distinguishing feature is that quality is assessed through the eyes of women working on the front line of wine, such as winemakers, sommeliers and wine merchants. Because wines are judged alongside those from Europe’s traditional wine regions, it also gives Japanese producers a chance to find out how their wines are regarded.
What the “Japan Wine” category means
In Japan, the label “Japan Wine” is limited to wine made in Japan solely from grapes grown in Japan. It is distinguished from wines made with imported juice or concentrate, so an award in this category means that grapes grown in Japanese vineyards were themselves recognised. It is one result showing that even in a northern region with harsh winters, like Akita, red wine can win international acclaim. The winning wine was made from grapes the winery grew locally.
How to enjoy it in Europe
Japanese wine is still rarely seen in Europe, but specialist shops and wine bars are gradually stocking more of it. When looking for it, check the label for “Japanese Wine” or a statement that it is made from 100% Japanese-grown grapes, and look out for competition medals. Many reds from northern regions are light, with a fresh acidity. Served slightly chilled with yakitori, mushroom dishes or dishes made with soy sauce, they make for a distinctly Japanese table. Tasting it alongside sake, as a wine from the same part of the country, is another new way to enjoy it.
Sources
This article was written by The Sake Wire editorial team, summarising the public sources listed above. Images are our own.
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