Discover the World of Kawachi Wine’s “FUKUUME Shippo”
Nestled in the historic, rolling hills of Habikino City, Osaka—a region rooted in grape cultivation since the Meiji era—lies Kawachi Wine, a heritage winery founded in 1934.
Under the visionary leadership of fourth-generation owner Shigeyuki Kondo, the estate is guided by a profound philosophy: “Wine is Wa-in（和飲）.” Literally translating to “harmonious drink,” Wa-in represents the elegant fusion of Western winemaking with Japanese culinary artistry. In this single phrase lies 90 years of pride and masterful craftsmanship.
A winery reimagining umeshu. In this masterful juxtaposition lies the very essence of Kawachi Wine. By listening to the delicate nuances of the fruit and pursuing an impeccable balance of aroma and acidity, the winery has poured its viticultural expertise into Japan’s native plum. The result? A crystal glass of liquid gold that remains entirely unrivaled.
A Mastery Only a Heritage Winery Could Achieve
Traditionally, umeshu is celebrated for its simplicity—green plums and rock sugar steeped in neutral spirits. While this accessibility is charming, it often results in flavor profiles that lack distinction.
Kawachi Wine has completely redefined this art. Abandoning neutral spirits, they select their own house-distilled brandy as the canvas. Born from premium grapes, this exceptional brandy offers a character unlike any grain-based spirit: vibrant orchard aromas, delicate whispers of vanilla, and a profound richness that lingers exquisitely on the palate. When woven with the natural tartness and sweetness of the plum, it creates layers of luxurious complexity never before experienced in umeshu.
This ambitious endeavor is only possible because the winery oversees every meticulous step in-house, from vine to distillation. It is, quite simply, umeshu rewritten in the sophisticated language of fine wine.
The Luxury of Time, A 20-Year Legacy
At the heart of FUKUUME Shippo lies a master base aged for over twenty years. While “aging” is common in the world of fine spirits, an umeshu nurtured for over two decades is an exceptionally rare treasure.
Over time, the spirits and plum extract fuse flawlessly, evolving into a luscious, velvety nectar. The initial bite of the alcohol transforms into an extraordinarily smooth, sophisticated palate, while its color deepens into a radiant amber—a visual testament to its long, patient maturation.
Yet, this vintage alone would be too intense. With the precision of a master sommelier, Kawachi Wine blends it with two exclusive reserves: a crisp, vibrant umeshu crafted from green plums, and a fragrant, fruit-forward expression made from fully ripened plums. The exact ratio remains a closely guarded secret, achieving an impeccable harmony of sweetness, acidity, and depth. Comparable to assemblage—the revered art of blending in haute winemaking—this process reflects a level of mastery reserved for the world’s finest estates.
Devotion to the Extraordinary, Kishu Nanko Plums & Wasanbon Sugar
The soul of FUKUUME Shippo lies in the legendary Kishu Nanko plums from Wakayama. Renowned for their plush, thick flesh and intoxicating aroma, they are globally recognized as the crown jewel of Japanese plums.
To perfect the sweetness, artisanal wasanbon sugar is introduced. Infinitely finer than refined sugars, wasanbon offers a delicate, mellow elegance that leaves no cloying aftertaste, harmonizing seamlessly with the richness of the aged base. This uncompromising selection of ingredients places it in a league of its own.
Inspired by the Seven Lucky Gods, An Auspicious Masterpiece
“Shippo” translates to the “seven treasures.” The exclusive FUKUUME collection features seven distinct varieties inspired by the Seven Lucky Gods, culminating in the pinnacle expression—FUKUUME Shippo—bringing the collection to a perfectly balanced eight.
From Ebisu to Hotei, each deity embodies a unique character, with FUKUUME Shippo standing at the summit. It is the ultimate symbol of “perfect balance,” where every element converges in flawless harmony.
Embodying auspicious blessings, this motif elevates the art of luxury gifting. Particularly in Asian cultures, where the number “seven” and the concept of fortune represent prosperity and success, this bottle speaks volumes before it is even opened. It transcends language, transforming a pristine bottle of umeshu into a profound gesture of respect and goodwill.
From Osaka to the World’s Most Refined Tables
For nearly a century, this boutique winery in the hills of Osaka has remained fiercely devoted to the art of fruit. They have infused the delicate Japanese plum with the sophistication of wine, invested twenty years of unwavering patience, and perfected it with the whisper-light sweetness of wasanbon. FUKUUME Shippo is the magnificent crystallization of that journey.
Transcending the boundaries of traditional umeshu, it boldly expands the horizons of what a premium fruit liqueur can be. Through the lens of fine winemaking, Kawachi Wine invites you to taste the future of Japanese luxury. (Mr. Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the blending craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kawachi Wine and the Fukume Shippo brand, and does not aim to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับศิลปะการผสมผสานและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของ Kawachi Wine และแบรนด์ Shichihō Fukume เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ