Overview

Located at an altitude of 420m in the hills of Mihara, Hiroshima, not too far from Hiroshima Airport, no. 505 Hiroshima Winery is a young, natural-wine-focused producer dedicated to creating what it calls “Living Wine” (“Ikiru Wine”).

Founded after years of grape growing and contract winemaking, the winery opened its own production facility in 2024 and works with organically and naturally farmed fruit, native-yeast fermentations, and little to no added sulfites. The winery embraces minimal-intervention practices that highlight the individuality of each vintage, vineyard, and grape variety, producing vibrant, unfiltered wines that reflect both the local terroir and a philosophy of harmony between nature and people.

Ikiru Wine

  • Fruits grown using organic or natural farming methods are used as raw materials
  • Zero or trace amounts of antioxidants
  • Fermented with natural yeast from grapes
  • The liquid lives on long after bottling

A gentle wine that combines the power of nature and human wisdom, with the idea of being as close to nature as possible.

That is the wine that lives on.

Cultivars

Black Beet

A Japanese hybrid table grape developed in Kumamoto Prefecture. Its parentage is a cross between the Fujiminori (藤稔) and Pione (ピオーネ) grape varieties. The Black Beet is a Japanese seedless, black-skinned table grape.

Developed in Japan and registered in 1985, it is a tetraploid hybrid cross of Ikawa 682 and Pione (which is a cross between Kyoho and Cannon Hall Muscat). Fujiminori is a premium Japanese table grape known for its extra-large, deep purple berries. While primarily bred for fresh eating, it is occasionally used by boutique winemakers to produce unique, light, and fruit-forward rosé wines.

A premium, large-berried purple hybrid grape developed in Japan in 1957 by crossing Kyoho and Cannon Hall Muscat grapes. While primarily cultivated and prized as a luxurious table grape, its intense jelly-like texture and complex, wine-like flavor make it a unique and sought-after choice for single-varietal rosé wines.

A seedless Japanese table grape variety that is occasionally used in domestic winemaking. Primarily grown in Japan, it is highly valued for its fresh, sweet flavor, thin skin, and delicate texture. Wines produced from Tenshu are rare and tend to be light, delicate, and aromatic, showcasing fresh berry and violet notes.

Cultivated in Japan, particularly in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is known for its versatility in winemaking, producing wines ranging from dry whites to sparkling wines, with balanced acidity and fruity characteristics.

A hybrid grape variety developed in Japan, prized for its aromatic qualities. It is commonly used in winemaking to produce fragrant and floral wines, often with sweet or off-dry profiles.

Wines

Red - Still Wines

Red - Still Wines

Red - Still Wines

  • Founded  – 2024
  • Region – Hiroshima Prefecture
  • City / Town- Mihara City
  • Village– Yamato-cho
  • Climate – Humid subtropical
  • Soil – Elevation 420 meters; granite; reddish-yellow soil
  • Vineyard Area– 1 hectare / 1,000 vines / 10 varieties
  • Cultivation Method– Organic
  • Grower / Producers-Toshihide Arai / Mayumi Yuguchi

Vineyard / Cellar Highlights

Sprays – No pesticides

Fertilizer – Used

Hand-picked – Yes

Natural yeast – Yes

Fining / Filtering – None

Added sulfites – None added

TIMELINE

  • 2016 – Experimentation with grape cultivation begins in the Yamato area of Mihara, Hiroshima. The project is established with a focus on naturally farmed fruit and the unique terroir of the high-altitude vineyards near Hiroshima Airport.
  • 2017 – Opened no. 501 Wine Shop
  • 2018 – The team starts producing wine through contract (custom-crush) winemaking arrangements while continuing to develop its vineyards and natural-wine philosophy.
  • 2018-2023 – During the contract-production period, the winery refines its approach to “Living Wine” (“Ikiru Wine”), emphasizing organically and naturally farmed grapes, native-yeast fermentation, minimal intervention, and little or no added sulfur dioxide. Vineyards are purchased.
  • 2024– 505 Hiroshima Winery officially opens its own winery and production facility in Mihara, Hiroshima. The grand opening includes the release of its first estate-produced vintage wines and a public celebration known as “Wineping” (Winery × Camping).
  • 2025– Proceeding with grape variety improvement for wine making.