Katashimo Winery
Katashimo Winery is a historic Japanese winery in Kashiwara, Osaka, founded in 1914 and known as the oldest surviving winery in western Japan.
Last updated September 28, 2026
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Overview
Katashimo Winery (カタシモワイナリー) is a Japanese wine producer based in Kashiwara, Osaka Prefecture, and is recognized as the oldest surviving winery in western Japan. Its origins trace to the late 19th century, when Takai Risaburo cleared the south-facing slopes of the former Katashimo village for grape cultivation, helping to establish Osaka as a major grape-growing region. In 1914, his son Takai Sakujiro succeeded in producing wine by applying fermentation techniques from sake, miso, and soy sauce production, founding the predecessor Katashimo Yoshu Brewery. The company was incorporated as Katashimo Wine Food Co., Ltd. in 1968. The winery is known for wines made from Osaka-grown grapes, particularly Delaware, and for its traditional trellis (tané) cultivation suited to the local climate. It has long emphasized reduced-pesticide and organic farming, with its own vineyards certified as Osaka Prefecture Eco Agricultural Fields. Its product range includes around 70 types of wine, with annual shipments of roughly 260,000 bottles. Notable products include Takoshan, a dry sparkling wine marketed as pairing well with takoyaki, and Budoka, Japan's first grappa made from Delaware grape skins. Katashimo Winery has received numerous awards, including gold medals at the Feminalise World Wine Competition and the Japan Wine Challenge. Its wines were served at the G20 Osaka Summit dinner in 2019. The winery actively promotes wine tourism through vineyard tours, events, and volunteer activities, and has been recognized by the Japanese government for its regional contributions. It remains a family-run private company led by the fourth-generation president, Takai Toshihiro.
History
The history of Katashimo Winery begins in the early Meiji era, when Takai Risaburo, great-grandfather of the current president Takai Toshihiro, cleared the south-facing slopes of Katashimo village (now part of Kashiwara, Osaka) for grape cultivation. This area became a center of Osaka's grape-growing golden age. By 1910–1912, the vineyard area had expanded to 8 hectares. In 1914, Takai Sakujiro, son of Risaburo, succeeded in brewing wine by applying fermentation techniques from sake, miso, and vinegar production, and founded Katashimo Yoshu Brewery, the predecessor of Katashimo Wine Food Co., Ltd. Initially, the wine could not be sold as a product; it was not until 1917 that sales began. In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake bankrupted a major client in Tokyo, forcing the company to sell its factory near Kashiwara Station and relocate to its current location in Taiheiji. In 1934, the Muroto Typhoon destroyed 65% of the vineyards. In 1936, at the current winery site, microbiologist Sakaguchi Kinichiro discovered Japan's first wine yeast, OC2 (later Brewing Society Yeast Wine No. 1). During World War II, tartaric acid in wine became a military resource, and the winery was placed under military control. After the war, the number of wine breweries in Osaka Prefecture plummeted from 119 to just 4. The founder, Takai Sakujiro, received several honors for his contributions to agriculture and winemaking, including the Green and White Ribbon Medal in 1955, the Yellow Ribbon Medal in 1956, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in 1966. In 1968, the company was incorporated as Katashimo Wine Food Co., Ltd., with third-generation Takai Riichi as president. In the late 1970s, fourth-generation Takai Toshihiro took over. During the high economic growth period, many vineyards were converted to housing, and the winery struggled against imported wines, surviving by producing grape juice and hiya-shime. From the 1990s, the winery sought direct connections with consumers through winery tours, gradually building a fan base. In 2014, it celebrated its 100th anniversary. In 2019, its wines were served at the G20 Osaka Summit dinner. In 2021, President Takai Toshihiro received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. The winery continues to promote Osaka wine and regional revitalization.
- 2021
President Takai Toshihiro receives Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays; 'Osaka Wine' receives GI protection.
- 2019
Wines served at G20 Osaka Summit dinner.
- 2014
Celebrates 100th anniversary.
- 2010
Launches 'Takoshan' sparkling wine.
- 2006
All own vineyards certified as Osaka Prefecture Eco Agricultural Fields.
- 2005
Wine storage cellar designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
- 2004
Budoka grappa wins Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.
- 2003
Budoka grappa wins Monde Selection Bronze Award.
- 2001
Introduces pot still and begins producing Japan's first grape skin brandy (grappa method).
- 1988
Launches 'Kashiwara Wine' to commemorate 30th anniversary of Kashiwara City.
Products and positioning
Traditional Japanese winery crafting wines suited to Japanese palates using local Osaka grapes and reduced-pesticide farming.
Takoshan
Dry sparkling wine made from Delaware grapes, marketed as pairing well with takoyaki.
Budoka
Japan's first grappa made from Delaware grape skins, 35% ABV.
Kawachi Wine
A wine series produced since 1978, including Campbell and Muscat Bailey A.
Kashiwara Wine
Launched in 1988 to commemorate Kashiwara City's 30th anniversary.
Marketing campaigns
- Winery tours and wine tourism
Sources5 sources
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