Chateau Mercian Katsunuma Winery Cafe

Chateau Mercian's Katsunuma winery in Koshu City is one of the oldest producers in Japan's original wine region, and its on-site cafe and tasting counter give visitors an accessible way to combine a short winery tour with food and wine. A small on-site museum traces the history of Koshu grape cultivation and Japanese wine production back to the late 19th century, when Katsunuma became the country's first dedicated wine region, adding historical context that most standalone restaurants nearby do not offer. The cafe menu is built around a wine-paired cheese and charcuterie plate, a Koshu grape sorbet made from the estate's own fruit, and a simple vineyard lunch set for visitors wanting a fuller meal. Seating is casual, with both indoor cafe tables and an outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyard rows on clear days. Walk-ins are welcome at the cafe, though the winery's more structured guided tasting sets benefit from advance booking, particularly on weekends. Prices are moderate, from about ¥1,500 to ¥4,000, and the property is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm, with slightly reduced hours on some winter weekdays.