About the Japan Vineyard Association

Our Mission

JVA aims to establish a robust and sustainable viticultural foundation and supportive infrastructure tailored to Japan’s unique climates and terroirs. From the snowy vineyards of Hokkaido to the subtropical landscapes of Okinawa, Japan’s diverse conditions present both challenges and opportunities for grape growers. By integrating traditional cultivation techniques with cutting-edge research, JVA empowers producers to cultivate high-quality grapes suited to Japan’s unique environments.

Our Projects Include:

1.JVA Nursery Project – Promoting Diverse and Clean Planting Materials

Since 2020, JVA has been actively importing and cultivating a diverse selection of virus-free clones, cultivars, and rootstocks, carefully chosen to meet the evolving needs of Japan’s viticulture. These plant materials are kept in a newly established foundation vineyard under strict isolation protocols, ensuring their virus-free status and provenance.

Starting in 2023, JVA has partnered with ten certified nursery operators across Japan to distribute these clean planting materials. By adhering to JVA’s strict protocols, these nurseries are working to produce high-quality vines in a clean environment, ultimately strengthening the supply chain for wineries and grape growers nationwide. This initiative not only expands varietal diversity but also enhances vineyard resilience against disease and climate-related challenges.

2. Addressing Virus Contamination in Vineyards

One of the most pressing challenges in Japanese viticulture is the widespread presence of virus-infected vines, which significantly impacts grape quality and economic viability. JVA is actively working with researchers and industry experts to develop comprehensive virus detection and management strategies. By implementing rigorous testing and certification programs, we aim to ensure that Japan’s vineyards are planted with healthy vines, leading to improved productivity and long-term sustainability.

3. International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

To further elevate Japanese viticulture, JVA actively engages with international researchers, institutions, and industry leaders. We are currently exploring opportunities to host webinars featuring leading experts from around the world, allowing Japanese growers to access the latest scientific insights and best practices. By fostering these global connections, we strive to integrate international expertise into Japan’s unique winemaking landscape.

Message from Bruce Gutlove, Executive Director of JVA

“When I first began making wine in Japan 30 years ago, the industry was in its infancy. From the perspective of global wine history, this is just a brief moment in time. However, in this period, Japan’s wine industry has undergone significant transformation. Quality has improved, consumer awareness has increased, and new wine-producing regions continue to emerge each year. That being said, the journey of discovery for Japanese wine is still in progress. To address the myriad questions of growing wine grapes in Japan, we need an even more active and integrated approach.

The first attempt to produce high-quality wine in Japan was to faithfully replicate European viticultural techniques. However, this approach ultimately fell short. Winemaking is fundamentally agriculture, and it is deeply tied to the land where it is practiced. Simply copying the techniques of Burgundy or Bordeaux without their soil and climate will not work. Japan’s climate varies dramatically from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical climate of Okinawa, and its soils are distinct from those found in most other wine-producing countries. Additionally, our vineyards constantly face the threat of unique local pests and diseases.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need to establish viticultural methods that are unique to Japan. However, in reality, when growers seek vines suited to their land, they find very few options in terms of clones, rootstocks, and cultivars. Moreover, the presence of virus-infected vines in vineyards has a serious negative impact on both quality and economic viability. Furthermore, collaboration between domestic producers and international viticultural research institutions is still insufficient. In Japan’s still-developing wine industry, achieving higher quality grape production requires an integration of both traditional methods rooted in Japan’s various regions and the latest advancements in viticultural research.

JVA aims to connect the various forces driving change and provide them as resources to all Japanese wine producers. Japan’s grape growers are passionate and talented individuals. I hope that JVA will serve as a guiding force for the future of Japanese wine.”