Japan's lost Muscat Bailey A grape triumphs in award-winning revival

A historic grape variety has made a comeback in Japanese winemaking. Muscat Bailey A, once nearly abandoned in the Aono district of Ibara, now stars in an award-winning red wine. The revival effort has brought together farmers, researchers and vintners to restore a piece of viticultural heritage. The Muscat Bailey A grape was once a staple in the Aono district but fell out of favour due to shifting market demands and economic challenges. In 2025, a collective effort involving local farmers, winemakers and academics set out to revive its cultivation. Their work led to the creation of 'Aldebaran', a red wine produced exclusively from this grape.

Yokohama Winery teamed up with Professor Akihiro Kaneko of Okayama University of Science to craft the wine. Kaneko’s institute bridges academic research, practical viticulture and commercial production, shaping both winemaking techniques and marketing approaches. The result was a wine with a rich strawberry aroma and a fresh, slightly herbaceous finish. 'Aldebaran' went on to win a Gold Award at the 2025 Kura Master competition in France. The event, which showcases Japanese sake and wine to French experts and consumers, also recognised 'Junmai -eme-', a sake brewed with yeast derived from Muscat of Alexandria grapes. This sake earned a Platinum Award, highlighting the growing international appreciation for Japan’s fermented beverages.

The revival of Muscat Bailey A grapes has brought renewed attention to Japan’s winemaking traditions. 'Aldebaran' now stands as a testament to the collaboration between farmers, researchers and vintners. The success at the Kura Master competition further cements the grape’s place in modern Japanese oenology.