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Akeno | Japanese Red Wine from Grace Wine

GRACE WINERY

RED

Price: $100.00

Akeno by Grace Wine is an elegant Japanese red wine from Misawa Vineyard in Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture. Created as a blend of four 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 separately in French oak barrels for 15 months, then blended just before bottling and bottled without fining 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, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc from one of Japan’s most respected wineries.

Production Area: Misawa Vineyard, Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture
Varietal: Merlot 54%, Cabernet Sauvignon 24%, Petit Verdot 14%, Cabernet Franc 8%
Type: Red
Style: Dry
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12.5%
Altitude: 700m
Soil: Clayey volcanic ash
Vinification: 15 months in French oak barrels
Winery: Grace Wine / Chuo Budoshu Co., Ltd.

Vintage Year

From the foothills west of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi, Grace Wine (Chuo Budoshu, est. 1923) put Japanese wine on the world map — the first winery from Japan ever to win a Gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Led by fifth-generation winemaker Ayana Misawa, Grace has spent decades championing Japan's native Koshu grape. Here's what the wine world is saying.

In the Press

  • Financial Times — spotlighted Grace Koshu for its Japanese originality, and named the wine in The World Atlas of Wine.
  • The Guardian — chose Grace's Kayagatake Koshu as a "post-Brexit wine."
  • Decanter — put the 2016 Grace Koshu Private Reserve on the magazine cover. · Read →
  • Bloomberg — named the 2014 Grace Blanc de Blancs a Top 10 Wine of 2019. · Read →
  • Fuji Television — featured fifth-generation winemaker Ayana Misawa on Hidamari no Toki (陽だまりのとき). Watch (in Japanese)→

Decanter World Wine Awards Decanter

Decanter World Wine Awards 2013 Gold medal

Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu 2013

Japan's first-ever Decanter Gold — won at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2014, with a Regional Trophy. The win that opened the world to Japanese wine.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2015 Platinum medal

Grace Koshu 2015

Top-tier Platinum for Japan's signature white — pure, delicate and mineral.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 Platinum medal

Grace Koshu 2016

A second consecutive Platinum for Grace Koshu.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 Gold medal

Grace Koshu 2017

Part of six straight years of Decanter recognition.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2018 Gold medal

Grace Koshu 2018

Gold again — cementing Grace Koshu as a world-class Koshu.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 Platinum medal

Grace Extra Brut

Platinum and Best Asian Wine — the first sparkling wine in Asia to win Decanter Platinum.

Also recognized: first Asian Gold at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards (Gris de Koshu 2012, 2013) · Trophy for Best Japanese White at the International Wine Challenge (1997 Koshu Barrel, 1998).

Decanter World Wine Awards results, 2013–2019.

Japanese Wine Co. — Wine Shipping Policy

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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:

  • California (CA)
  • District of Columbia (DC)

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

Ships with FedEx

Every Japanese Wine Co. order ships with FedEx — the premium carrier for fine wine — chosen for dependable, temperature-aware handling, weekend home delivery, and full delivery control (reschedule or redirect your shipment anytime with FedEx Delivery Manager).

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 is included on orders of $100 or more. The rates below apply to orders under $100.

Standard Shipping (Ground)

Your order California Washington DC
Any order $100 or more Included Included
1 bottle (full or half) $20 $30
2–3 bottles $22 $32
4–6 bottles $25 $38
7–11 bottles $28 $45
Full case (12+) $30 $50
Full case (12+) subscriber Included Included

Priority (2-Day Air)

Your order California Washington DC
1 bottle $36 $45
2–3 bottles $42 $74
4–6 bottles $59 $116
7–11 bottles $86 $177
Full case (12+) $91 $192

Express (Overnight)

Your order California Washington DC
1 bottle $59 $75
2–3 bottles $78 $97
4–6 bottles $114 $139
7–11 bottles $173 $208
Full case (12+) $183 $218

Included shipping applies to Standard (Ground) delivery only. Priority and Express are paid upgrades for everyone, including full-case (12+) subscribers.

Subscribe a full case (12+) and Standard Shipping is included on every order — your case can be any mix of wines. See “Subscribe & Save” below.


🏬 Local Pickup (Will Call)

Prefer to pick up? Collect your order in person at our Napa fulfillment center, 115 Devlin Road, Suite A, Napa, CA 94558, Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed weekends). Select Will Call at checkout; a valid 21+ government-issued photo ID is required at pickup.

❄️ Summer Wine Protection (May–September)

When it’s hot, we can ship your wine in a temperature-controlled, recycled-foam cooler with ice bricks to protect it in transit. Summer Wine Protection is an optional add-on — a flat $16 per order (any number of bottles) — just add it to your order at checkout.

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 — every month, every 2 months, or every 3 months. Change or cancel anytime.

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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.

 

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Why subscribe?

  • Save on every bottle. 5% off when you subscribe, or 10% off on a full-case (12+) subscription — 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.

🍷 Best value: subscribe a full case (12+ bottles) for 10% off plus Standard Shipping included on every order — our Loyalist tier.

To start, choose “Subscribe” when you add to cart 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:

Everything You Need to Know About Grace Wine Japan
Everything You Need to Know About Grace Wine Japan
Japan’s Hidden Luxury in Wine.

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.

Press & Awards

Decanter
The Guardian
Financial Times
Bloomberg
Fuji TV
Akeno | Japanese Red Wine from Grace Wine

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.

Dry Sweet
Acidity
Body
Fruitiness
Minerality
Aroma
Finish

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