Chūō Budōshu (中央葡萄酒)
The 1923-founded Misawa-family company that operates as Grace Wine — Yamanashi's premier Koshu specialist
The Producer
Chūō Budōshu (中央葡萄酒, "Central Grape Wine") was founded in 1923 in Katsunuma, Yamanashi by Chōtarō Misawa. The corporate name has been retained throughout four generations of family ownership, while the commercial brand evolved to Grace Wine as the family's premium-quality strategy matured. The two names — Chūō Budōshu and Grace Wine — refer to the same company.
The family has held the operation continuously since 1923, with leadership passing through:
- 1st generation: Chōtarō Misawa (founder, 1923)
- 2nd generation: Postwar generation (mid-20th century)
- 3rd generation: Shigekazu Misawa (consolidation of Grace Wine premium brand, 1980s onward)
- 4th generation: Ayana Misawa (winemaker since 2008, the contemporary face of the family)
The Cuvée Misawa Era
The family's premium identity was consolidated by Shigekazu Misawa, who established the Cuvée Misawa range — single-vineyard, terroir-focused premium Koshu and other varieties — as the international expression of the company's ambitions.
Ayana Misawa took over winemaking in 2008 after training in Bordeaux and California. Under her direction, the company has produced its most internationally celebrated vintages, including the 98-point Decanter World Wine Awards-winning 2017 Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu Kiiroka.
Vineyards
The company operates several distinct vineyard sites:
- Akeno (Akeno-cho) — High-elevation Yamanashi site producing the most premium Koshu
- Misawa Family Vineyard — Heritage estate plantings
- Various contracted growers — Across Yamanashi and beyond
Why It Matters
Chūō Budōshu / Grace Wine is one of the most institutionally important Japanese wine producers. The family's continuous 100+ year presence across four generations represents Japan's deepest direct-line wine heritage, and the company's role in Koshu's international elevation — culminating in the 2017 Decanter award — has been definitive. Without Grace Wine, Koshu's international standing would be substantially less developed.
Details
- Founded: 1923 (Chōtarō Misawa)
- Location: Katsunuma, Yamanashi
- Brand name: Grace Wine (commercial brand of Chūō Budōshu)
- Current leadership: Shigekazu Misawa (principal); Ayana Misawa (winemaker)
- Specialty: Premium Koshu, Cuvée Misawa range
- Notable awards: 98 pts DWWA 2017 (Cuvée Misawa Akeno Koshu)
Sources