Yuki Nakano – Kunoh Wines (Kyoto & Japan-wide)

Yuki Nakano, founder of Kunoh Wines, represents a new generation of Japanese natural winemakers blending global experience with local sensitivity. Originally from Kyoto, Nakano began his career in restaurants and as a sommelier before traveling to Italy and New Zealand to learn organic and natural winemaking.
He established Kunoh Wines to showcase delicate, transparent wines made without additives. His wines are fermented with native yeasts, bottled unfiltered, and contain little or no sulfur. Grapes come from organic vineyards across Japan, and blends often include unconventional combinations such as Pinot Noir with Riesling or Niagara with Delaware.
Nakano’s philosophy centers on precision and purity: “Ninety percent of winemaking is in the vineyard.” His expressive wines—like Orange Osmanthus and Sunflower—reflect both Japanese craftsmanship and a modern natural wine sensibility.

Winemaking Philosophy

Nakano is a staunch advocate of "zero-zero" natural wine, meaning he adds absolutely nothing to the wine and takes nothing away.

  • Natural and Organic Focus: His wines are made from fully organic grapes and he strives for no added sulfur(with rare exceptions, like a small addition before bottling for one of his early white wines).

  • Minimal Intervention: All fermentation is done using wild yeast (Pied de Cuve is sometimes used to ensure a strong start). The wines are typically unfined and unfiltered.

  • Quality over Technique: Nakano asserts that the quality of the final wine is 90% dependent on grape growing, picking timing, and cleanliness. He aims to create wines with purity where the winemaking techniques do not interfere.

  • Japanese Influence: A former sommelier in high-end Kyoto restaurants, Nakano's winemaking aims to integrate the subtlety and philosophy of his hometown's cuisine, characterized by clean flavors, umami, and minimal fat,into modern winemaking.

Background and Global Scope

Kunoh Wines is a multinational project, reflecting Nakano's extensive global experience:

  • Kyoto Roots: Yuki Nakano was born in Kyoto and first became interested in wine while in Australia as a university student.

  • The Name Kunoh: The brand name, Kunoh, is his mother's rare maiden name, which he chose to preserve and honor his family history (his labels feature flowers, inspired by his grandmother's ikebana flower arranging).

  • International Experience (Flying Winemaker): He launched Kunoh Wines in 2017 after gaining experience at wineries in:

    • Italy (Tuscany and Piemonte)

    • New Zealand (Kindeli in Nelson, which became his primary base)

    • Australia (Smallfry in Barossa Valley)

    • Japan (Grape Republic in Yamagata)

  • Winery Locations: Kunoh Wines is produced in three countries:

    • New Zealand (Main Base): He leases his own, dry-grown, 20-year-old certified organic vineyard on the Bronte Peninsula in Upper Moutere, Nelson, working with its signature clay-based terroir.

    • Japan (Seasonal): During the Japanese harvest season (winter in New Zealand), he returns to Japan, working with Fattoria al Fiore (in Miyagi or Yamagata) to produce a few Japanese-exclusive cuvées.