Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010

Courtesy of Kenzo Estate

Capcom CEO Kenzo Tsujimoto spent $100 million on his very own Napa Valley winery, enlisting the top-shelf talents of consulting winemaker Heidi Barrett and vineyard manager David Abreu to ensure the quality of the plonk. Kenzo Estate had its grand opening on July 1, and the general consensus seems to be that it’s really rather good—especially for those, like Mr. Tsujimoto, with lots of pocket money. Tokyo residents can sample all of the Kenzo wines at a plush new tasting bar in Hiroo. The deceptively named Tokyo Brunch offers “Asatsuyu” Sauvignon Blanc (¥1,000 glass/¥6,930 bottle), “Rindo” red table wine (¥1,500/¥10,500), and the limited-edition “Murasaki” blended red and “Ai” Cabernet Sauvignon (both ¥2,800/¥21,000), alongside a small food menu. Ditherers can sample all four, in either 45ml or 90ml servings (¥4,000/¥8,000), then pick up a bottle to take home at the onsite wine shop.

4-12-25 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3448-0555. Open daily 5-11pm (wine shop from 3pm). Nearest stn: Hiroo. www.kenzoestate.jp/winery_tokyo