Akeno by Grace Wine is an elegant Japanese red wine from Misawa Vineyard in Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture. Created as a blend of three varieties from a single vineyard, this wine reflects Grace Wine’s desire to express a clear sense of place — what the winery describes as a “wine with a view” of where it is from.
After rigorous selection in both the vineyard and winery, small lots are vinified separately with careful attention to detail and gentle extraction. Each variety and lot is matured in French oak barrels, then bottled without clarification or filtration. The result is a refined Japanese red wine with depth, structure, and a graceful expression of Yamanashi terroir.
Akeno is an excellent choice for those looking to explore premium Japanese red wine beyond Koshu, offering a polished blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot from one of Japan’s most respected wineries.
Production Area: Misawa Vineyard, Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture
Varietal: 58%, Cabernet Sauvignon 39%, Petit Verdot 3%
Type: Red
Style: Dry
Altitude: 700m
Soil: Clayey volcanic ash
Vinification: 18 months in French oak barrels
Winery: Grace Wine / Chuo Budoshu Co., Ltd.
Japanese Wine Co. — Wine Shipping Policy
Enter your ZIP code for the exact shipping price — what you see here is what you’ll pay at checkout. No surprises.
States We Currently Ship To
We are a licensed California wine importer, wholesaler, and off-sale retailer. We currently ship to the following states where applicable law permits out-of-state retailer direct-to-consumer wine delivery:
- Alaska (AK)
- California (CA)
- District of Columbia (DC)
- Idaho (ID)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Missouri (MO)
- Nebraska (NE)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- New Mexico (NM)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Oregon (OR)
- Virginia (VA)
- West Virginia (WV)
- Wyoming (WY)
We do not currently ship to any other states. We will expand this list as additional states open to out-of-state retailer direct-to-consumer wine shipping.
Shipping Rates & Delivery Speed
| Speed | Arrives in |
|---|---|
| Standard (Ground) | 3–7 business days |
| Priority (2-Day Air) | 2 business days |
| Express (Overnight) | Next business day |
Orders ship from our Napa, California warehouse, and you’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships.
💡 Mix & match any wines. Shipping is based on the total number of bottles in your order — combine any wines and sizes to reach a price tier or a full case. Every bottle counts as one, whether it’s a full 750 ml or a 375 ml half-bottle.
Standard Shipping (Ground)
| Your order | West (CA, NV, OR, ID) |
Mid (WY, NM, ND, NE, MO, LA) |
East (VA, WV, NH, DC) |
Alaska (AK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle (full or half) | $20 | $22 | $30 | $60 |
| 2–3 bottles | $22 | $25 | $32 | $85 |
| 4–6 bottles | $25 | $30 | $38 | $125 |
| 7–11 bottles | $28 | $35 | $45 | $165 |
| Full case (12+) | $30 | $40 | $50 | $195 |
| Full case (12+) — Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist (full-case subscriber) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $195 |
Priority (2-Day Air)
| Your order | West (CA, NV, OR, ID) |
Mid (WY, NM, ND, NE, MO, LA) |
East (VA, WV, NH, DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle | $36 | $44 | $45 |
| 2–3 bottles | $42 | $73 | $74 |
| 4–6 bottles | $59 | $113 | $116 |
| 7–11 bottles | $86 | $174 | $177 |
| Full case (12+) | $91 | $187 | $192 |
Express (Overnight)
| Your order | West (CA, NV, OR, ID) |
Mid (WY, NM, ND, NE, MO, LA) |
East (VA, WV, NH, DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle | $59 | $73 | $75 |
| 2–3 bottles | $78 | $95 | $97 |
| 4–6 bottles | $114 | $137 | $139 |
| 7–11 bottles | $173 | $202 | $208 |
| Full case (12+) | $183 | $215 | $218 |
Priority and Express are paid upgrades for everyone, including Japanese Wine Co. Loyalists — the included-shipping benefit applies to Standard delivery only. Priority/Express to Alaska are available on request.
Become a Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist and Standard Shipping is included on every full-case (12+) order — your case can be any mix of wines (Alaska excluded). See “Subscribe & Save” below.
❄️ Summer Wine Protection (May–September)
When it’s hot, your wine ships in a temperature-controlled, recycled-foam cooler with ice bricks. It’s added automatically to Standard and Priority shipments on warm-weather routes. The fee is charged once per shipment (not per bottle), based on how many bottles are in the box:
| Bottles in the shipment | Protection (per shipment) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bottles | $6 |
| 3–6 bottles | $12 |
| 7–12 bottles (includes a full case) | $18 |
| Full case (12+) — Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist (full-case subscriber) | $0 (included) |
Orders larger than 12 bottles ship in more than one cooler, so protection applies per cooler (for example, 24 bottles = two coolers = $36).
Choosing Express (overnight)? No cold-pack fee. Your wine spends just one day in transit, so the overnight speed is the protection — there’s nothing extra to add. On the hottest routes, Express is the safest choice.
🍷 Subscribe & Save
Have your favorite Japanese wines delivered on your schedule — monthly, every 3 months, or every 6 months. Change or cancel anytime.
- Every subscriber: 10% off every wine, every shipment.
- Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist — subscribe to a full case (12+) and also get Standard Shipping Included and Summer Wine Protection Included, on top of your 10% off (Alaska excluded).
The more you order, the more you save — your 10% never goes away, and becoming a Loyalist adds included shipping and summer protection on top.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcohol.
By using this site, you confirm you are of legal drinking age.
Adult Signature & Delivery Requirements
- 21+ only. You must be 21 or older to purchase.
- Adult signature required at delivery. A person 21 or older must be present to sign. Packages cannot be left unattended.
- Valid government-issued photo ID required — the carrier will verify age at the door.
- We recommend shipping to a business address to reduce the chance of missed delivery.
- Carriers will make multiple delivery attempts before returning the package.
Weather Holds
We reserve the right to hold shipments during extreme heat or freezing conditions to protect product quality. You will be notified of any weather-related delays.
Failed Delivery & Returns
- You are responsible for providing a correct and deliverable address.
- Orders returned due to missed delivery or failed signature may incur restocking and reshipping fees.
- All alcohol sales are final once title passes to the buyer.
- Contact us immediately if your order arrives damaged.
Taxes
- All applicable state excise and sales taxes are collected at checkout.
- All purchases must be for personal consumption — not for resale.
Consumer Responsibility Disclaimer
Non-California residents are responsible for determining whether their state, county, or local jurisdiction permits the shipment of wine from an out-of-state retailer. Each state, county, and municipality has its own alcohol laws and regulations. Please check with your appropriate agencies before placing an order. Each individual purchaser accepts full responsibility for their own state and local verification.
By placing an order, you represent and warrant that:
- You are at least 21 years of age.
- The receipt of wine at your delivery address is lawful under all applicable state and local laws.
- All items purchased are for personal consumption and not for resale.
- You and the person accepting delivery are both 21 years of age or older.
Title to Goods: Title to all alcoholic beverages purchased on this site passes to the buyer in the State of California when the goods are picked up by the common carrier. By making a purchase, you are authorizing Japanese Wine Co. to arrange transportation on your behalf, and you represent that you are acting in full compliance with your local and state laws regarding the purchase, transportation, and receipt of alcoholic beverages.
Japanese Wine Co. (Dream of Japan LLC) makes no representation or warranty as to the legal requirements of shipping to your specific address and shall not be liable for any claims arising from shipments to locations where such shipment may violate any federal, state, or local regulation.
Change in Law: If applicable law changes after your order is placed but before shipment — making receipt unlawful — please contact us prior to shipment. Once an order has shipped, title has passed to the buyer and no refund can be issued on that basis.
⚠ Important Notice: Wine shipping laws are subject to change and vary by state, county, and municipality. Some destinations within eligible states — including specific counties, cities, or zip codes — may prohibit alcohol delivery. It is your responsibility as the purchaser to verify that your delivery address is in a location that permits receipt of wine shipped from out-of-state retailers.
© Japanese Wine Co. · Dream of Japan LLC · Napa, California
Licensed CA Importer · Wholesaler · Off-Sale Retailer
Questions? Contact us at info@japanesewineco.com or 1-800-380-7030.
Subscribe & Save
Have your favorite Japanese wines delivered on your schedule and save on every order. Subscribe to a full case and you become a Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist — with shipping and summer protection included, too.
| Benefit | One-time | Subscriber | Loyalist (full case · 12+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% off every wine, every order | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivered on your schedule — every 1, 2, or 3 months | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skip, change wines, or cancel anytime — no fee, no minimum | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mix & match any wines (full or half bottles) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard Shipping included (Alaska excluded) | — | — | ✓ |
| Summer Wine Protection included (May–September) | — | — | ✓ |
Why subscribe?
- Always 10% off. Your member discount applies to every bottle, on every shipment.
- Your schedule, your call. Choose delivery every 1, 2, or 3 months — and skip, swap wines, or cancel anytime. No membership fee and no minimum number of shipments.
- Mix & match freely. Build each shipment from any wines you like — your case can be any combination.
🍷 Become a Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist. Subscribe to a full case (12+ bottles) and your Standard Shipping is included and Summer Wine Protection is on us — on top of your 10% off. It’s the best value we offer.
To start, choose “Subscribe” when you add to cart above and pick your delivery frequency. You can manage everything anytime from your account.
Ordering & Account
Do I need an account to order?
No — you can check out as a guest. Creating an account lets you track orders and manage any subscriptions.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major cards, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay at checkout.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Contact us as soon as possible — we can usually help before the order ships, but not once it's left the warehouse.
Can I send wine as a gift?
Yes. Just enter the recipient's address — remember an adult 21+ must be present with ID to sign for any wine delivery.
Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist and Subscription
What's the difference between a Subscriber and a Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist?
Anyone who subscribes is a Subscriber — you get 10% off every wine, every shipment, on a flexible schedule.
Subscribe to a full case (12+ bottles), and you become a Japanese Wine Co. Loyalist, which adds Standard Shipping included and Summer Wine Protection included, on top of your 10% off.
Is there a membership fee or a minimum number of shipments?
No. There's no fee to join and no minimum commitment — subscribe, save, and cancel whenever you like.
How much do I save?
Every subscriber gets 10% off every wine, on every order — it never expires for as long as you're subscribed.
Do I have to buy 12 of the same wine to be a Loyalist?
No — your case can be any mix of wines (and sizes). Each bottle counts as one toward your 12, and a 375 ml half-bottle counts the same as a full 750 ml.
How often will I receive my wine?
You choose: every 1, 2, or 3 months. Change it anytime.
When will I be charged, and when will my order ship?
Your order is billed automatically on your chosen schedule and ships right after — we'll email you a reminder before each charge.
How does automatic renewal work?
Your subscription renews automatically on your schedule until you cancel. We email before every charge, and you can change, skip, or cancel anytime from your account — no fees.
Can I skip a shipment or change my delivery frequency?
Yes — skip, pause, or switch between 1-, 2-, or 3-month delivery anytime from your account.
Can I change which wines I receive?
Absolutely. Swap wines or mix and match for any upcoming shipment from your account.
How do I cancel?
Anytime, from your account — no fees and no cancellation penalty.
How do I start a subscription?
On any wine, choose "Subscribe" when you add to cart and pick your delivery frequency. Manage everything afterward from your account.
What exactly does the Loyalist get?
A full-case (12+) subscription includes: 10% off every wine + Standard Shipping included + Summer Wine Protection included (May–September).
It's the best value we offer.
What is Akeno?
Akeno is a refined Japanese red wine from Grace Wine — a Bordeaux-style blend (58% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot) grown at the Misawa Vineyard in Akeno, high in Yamanashi at 700 meters.
It's smooth and elegant rather than heavy, with ripe red and dark fruit, polished tannins, and graceful length.
How does Akeno compare to a Napa or Bordeaux red?
Akeno shares Bordeaux's blend and structure, but its high-altitude, cool-climate home gives it a lighter, more elegant frame — finesse over power.
At a graceful 12.5% ABV with polished tannins and balanced acidity, it leans closer to a refined Bordeaux than a big, ripe Napa Cabernet — a red built for the table.
What food does Akeno pair well with?
Akeno's plush red and dark fruit, soft tannins, and notes of cocoa and cedar make it an elegant partner for savory, umami-rich plates:
- Wagyu sukiyaki, dipped in silky raw egg — 和牛のすき焼き 生卵にくぐらせて — the egg's richness rounds the sweet-soy and flatters the wine's plush fruit and soft tannins.
- Roast duck breast with berry — 鴨胸肉のロースト ベリーソース — Merlot's plummy fruit and the wine's blueberry note are made for duck.
- Braised beef cheek in red wine — 牛ほほ肉の赤ワイン煮込み — slow, savory richness mirrored by the wine's polished depth.
- Charcoal-grilled maitake with soy butter — 舞茸の炭火焼き バター醤油 — smoky, earthy umami meeting the wine's cedar and cocoa.
Serve at cool room temperature.
How should I serve Akeno?
Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) — cool room temperature — in a large-bowl glass.
A 30–60 minute decant helps its aromatics and silky tannins open and show their best.
Should I drink Akeno now, or can I cellar it?
Both. It's smooth and approachable now — a short decant is all it needs — but with 18 months in French oak, polished tannins, and balanced acidity, it will also age gracefully for 5–10 years, deepening in cocoa, cedar, and dried-fruit complexity.
It's bottled unfined and unfiltered, so a little natural sediment is normal in older bottles — stand it upright before serving.
Does Akeno come in a half bottle?
Akeno is available in the standard 750 ml bottle only. (Looking for a smaller format? Our Kazumi Napa Valley Koshu comes in a 375 ml half-bottle.)
What makes Akeno special?
Akeno is named for its home — Grace Wine's prized Misawa Vineyard in Akeno, set 700 meters up in Yamanashi on clayey volcanic-ash soils that lend the wine its elegance and tension.
It's a Bordeaux-style blend made with gentle extraction and 18 months in French oak, then bottled unfined and unfiltered to keep it pure and expressive — from the same celebrated vineyard behind Grace's flagship Cuvée Misawa wines.
Who is Grace Wine?
Grace Wine (Chuo Budoshu Co.) is one of Japan's most acclaimed and historic wineries, based in Katsunuma, Yamanashi — the spiritual home of Koshu.
In 2014, under winemaker Ayana Misawa, Grace became the first Japanese winery ever to win a Gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards — a breakthrough that put Japanese Koshu on the world stage.
It has since earned multiple Decanter Platinum and Gold medals. If you're interested, we wrote a whole article about Grace Wine on our Journal here:




Japanese wine is defined by balance, precision, and quiet elegance. Shaped by unique climates and careful craftsmanship, each bottle reflects a deep respect for harmony—never overpowering, always refined.
It’s not just wine.
It’s a way to experience Japan through taste.

AROMA / FLAVOR NOTES
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Black Currant
- Violet
- Mint
- Cocoa
- Cedar
- Spice
TASTE PROFILE
Akeno is an elegant Japanese red wine from Grace Wine’s Misawa Vineyard in Akeno, Yamanashi. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, it offers layered aromas of blueberry, raspberry, black currant, violet, mint, cocoa, cedar, and gentle spice.
On the palate, it is smooth and refined, with ripe red and dark fruit, polished tannins, balanced acidity, and subtle oak from French barrel aging. The finish is graceful and lingering, showing both depth and the quiet elegance of Japanese terroir.
It pairs beautifully with wagyu beef, grilled meats, roast chicken, mushroom dishes, duck, lamb, sukiyaki, yakitori, aged cheese, and Japanese-European fusion cuisine.
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