About Wine

Q. Is this “BIO” wine ?

A. No, our wine isn’t “BIO”. Miho’s Grandama wine is made without using fertilizers, chemicals, or any additives. Furthermore, no such chemicals and additives are used in the fermentation process. People often associate Bio label with Organic or Biodynamic. Organic standard is less strict, allowing the use of Organic fertilizers or pesticides. Biodynamic also applies Organic fertilizers made from animal manure, controls disease by using copper and sulphur taken from nature and sprays plant-based insecticides. On the other hand, Miho’s Grandama wines are produced from pure grapes grown without the use of these animal or plant-based substances even in small quantities and throughout the fermentation process, so our wines are neither Organic, nor Biodynamic.

Q. Why does Gransol wine have a golden, amber-brown color?

A. We wait longer until the grapes get fully mature when their skin turns shiny gold. Harvested grapes are pressed and put into a tank to start fermenting naturally. Because the whole crushed berry is aged together with skin, flesh, and seeds in the fruit’s juice for a certain length of time, the skin’s golden color will be transferred to the wine. In this initial fermentation to produce alcohol, white wine goes through the same process as red wine.

Q. Why do you wait for full maturity of grapes?

A. Our grapes are more likely to suffer attack by birds and animals, or damage by bad weather, resulting in a loss of yield. However, the sugar content gets extremely high and we can harvest fully ripe grapes with a lovely, elegant aroma.

Q. Where can I buy this wine other than on this site?

A. At the Miho Museum located in Shigaraki Town, Koka City, Shigaraki Prefecture. When the museum is open, you can buy at the Gift Shop in the Reception Pavilion. Also, the tea room ”Pine View” at the South Wing of the main building can serve wine of some vintages by the glass.

About Payment

Q. Do you have any other options than credit card and cash on delivery payment?

A. Unfortunately, no.

Q. Can you issue an invoice?

A. Yes. In the shopping page, please write your request in the memo. If the address for the invoice is different from the shipping address for the wine, please notify us which one we should use.
*Note: If the address is the same, the invoice will be enclosed in the package with the wine.

Q. Can you issue a receipt?

A. It depends on the method of your payment. If you choose cash on delivery service, the carrier will issue a slip of completed delivery with the printed name of our company. The copy of this slip serves as an official receipt. If you pay by credit card, the record of your balance deducted of the amount passes as a receipt. Elsewise, please fill in the form of enquiry and write your request about issuing the invoice. Please provide us with the necessary details such as who’s name to appear on the receipt, which address to send it to, and your order number.

Delivery & Cost

Q. Do you provide a service, for example, decorating or wrapping for celebration, or enclosing a message card?

A. No, we cannot meet your request.

Q. Can I ask for cool shipping service?

A. Yes. We ship wine refrigerated from mid-May till the end of summer.

Q. Can you ship overseas?

A. No, only national delivery within Japan.