Ayana Misawa is one of Japan’s most celebrated and internationally respected winemakers, recognised for elevating Koshu, Japan’s indigenous grape variety, onto the global stage. She is the fifth-generation winemaker of the Misawa family and serves as Head of Viticulture and Oenology at Grace Wine, the historic family-owned winery founded in 1923 in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, considered the birthplace of Japanese wine.

Born in Katsunuma, Ayana grew up surrounded by vineyards and winemaking, though she was not initially expected to enter the family business due to tradition and her father’s assumption that a male successor would lead the winery. A pivotal moment came during a 2002 promotional trip abroad, when she witnessed the global appreciation for Grace’s Koshu wines, inspiring her to pursue winemaking professionally and dedicate herself to advancing the grape’s potential.

Determined to contribute at the highest level, Ayana studied oenology and viticulture in Japan, France and South Africa, completing formal training in Bordeaux and undertaking seasonal vintages across the Southern Hemisphere. Her international experience includes working with Mountford in New Zealand, Errazuriz in Chile, Catena in Argentina, Cape Point in South Africa alongside Duncan Savage, as well as Brokenwood, Woodlands and Arras in Australia. These experiences broadened her technical expertise and shaped her innovative approach to Japanese wine. She returned to Japan in 2007, formally joined Grace Wine, and was appointed Head of Viticulture and Oenology in 2008.

Her philosophy blends respect for tradition with a forward-looking, experimental spirit. While honouring the strong foundations laid by earlier generations, she has refined Koshu into more complex, terroir-driven expressions, explored sparkling wines made by the traditional method and rosé styles, and applied precise vineyard management to navigate Japan’s challenging climate. She emphasises Koshu’s subtle aromatics—citrus, white peach and white flowers—its natural affinity for Japanese cuisine, and its capacity to age and gain international relevance.

As one of the few female winemakers in Japan, and the first in her own family, Ayana has become a symbol of progress within a traditionally male-dominated industry. She actively advocates for women in winemaking and maintains strong relationships with influential female producers worldwide. Under her leadership, Grace Wine has solidified its position as the premier producer of Koshu, expanding its international presence and acclaim across Europe and Asia, and now managing approximately 20 hectares of vineyards.

Ayana frequently represents Japanese wine on the international stage through tastings, interviews and media appearances, including features on platforms such as Japan’s Discovery Channel. She continues to champion Koshu’s global identity while navigating modern challenges, from climate shifts to evolving consumption trends. Living and working in Yamanashi, close to the vineyards she manages, she remains deeply committed to the land, its climate and the traditions that shaped her, often saying, “I love mountains; I love vineyards; I’m very happy in Yamanashi.”