Two wines from Ajimu Budoshu Kobo (Ajimu Winery), operated by Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, have received Double Gold awards at the "SAKURA Award 2026" ("SAKURA" Japan Women's Wine Awards 2026). The winning wines are Ajimu Wine Albariño Yazu (vin. 2024) and Ajimu Wine Francisco Delaware (vin. 2024).
In addition, Ajimu Wine Shokoji (vin. 2023) and Ajimu Wine Kanata Campbell Early (vin. 2025) received Gold awards.
About the SAKURA Award
The SAKURA Award is an international wine competition held annually since 2014 and is considered the largest and most prestigious wine competition in Asia. Judging is conducted by female wine professionals — including sommeliers, wine importers, distributors, wine shop staff, winemakers, wine school instructors, and wine journalists — through blind tasting on a 100-point scale. Based on the results, wines are recognized as Diamond Trophy, Double Gold, Gold, or Silver.
The 13th edition of the competition in 2026 was held on February 3rd (Tuesday) in Osaka (Hotel Nikko Osaka) and February 6th (Friday) in Tokyo (Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel). A total of 3,715 items from 37 countries were entered, with 274 items receiving Double Gold, 1,272 Gold, and 714 Silver, for a total of 2,260 award-winning items.
Results are available at the official website.
Double Gold Winners
Ajimu Wine Albariño Yazu (vin. 2024)
Made exclusively from Albariño grapes grown at the Yazu plot of the winery's own "Ajimu no Oka Farm," this wine is finished at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. It is a dry white wine with a rich, full-bodied flavor and an aromatic nose reminiscent of yellow peach and jasmine.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 13% |
| Grape Variety | Albariño |
| Type | Dry (White) |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Suggested Retail Price (tax incl.) | ¥3,801 |
Ajimu Wine Francisco Delaware (vin. 2024)
Made with 100% Delaware grapes from Ajimu-cho, Usa City. The grapes are frozen at -20°C and slowly pressed over two days, and the concentrated juice is fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks to create a dessert wine.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 10% |
| Grape Variety | Delaware |
| Type | Very Sweet (White) |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Volume | 500ml |
| Suggested Retail Price (tax incl.) | ¥3,098 |
Gold Winners
Ajimu Wine Shokoji (vin. 2023)
Shokoji is a hybrid variety of mountain grape, characterized by small berries, deep color, high sugar content, and high acidity. The wine features a deep red-purple color with aromas of mint, spice, and smoky roasted chestnut, with a clean acidity and deep flavor.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| Grape Variety | Shokoji |
| Type | Dry (Red) |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Suggested Retail Price (tax incl.) | ¥4,500 |
Ajimu Wine Kanata Campbell Early (vin. 2025)
This red wine features the distinctive grape-like aroma characteristic of Campbell Early, with a gently sweet flavor that gives the pleasing sensation of eating fresh grapes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 10.5% |
| Grape Variety | Campbell Early |
| Type | Sweet (Red) |
| Vintage | 2025 |
| Volume | 720ml |
| Suggested Retail Price (tax incl.) | ¥2,500 |
About Ajimu Budoshu Kobo (Ajimu Winery)
Ajimu Budoshu Kobo is a winery operated by Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. in Ajimu-cho, Usa City, Oita Prefecture. Taking advantage of the dramatic temperature differences characteristic of this fog-filled basin, the winery cultivates quality grapes and produces richly flavored wines. Sanwa Shurui began wine production in 1971 and opened the winery to the public in October 2001.
The lush, forest-themed grounds include a fermentation facility, cellar, vineyard, and tasting shop, where visitors can tour the production process and growing vines, sample wines, and shop. The winery has also been selected as a Five-Star Winery — the highest honor — at the Japan Winery Award for seven consecutive years since 2019, making it the only five-star winery in western Japan.
- Address: 798 Shimoge, Ajimu-cho, Usa City, Oita Prefecture
- Closed: Every Tuesday (open on public holidays), year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.ajimu-winery.co.jp
