Fujizakura Heights Beer, brewed and sold by Fuji Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. (Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture; President: Kazuya Shimura), launched the limited-edition collaboration beer "HOBAKU" with Yamanashi Prefecture's prestigious winery SADOYA on December 5th.
Fujizakura Heights Beer "HOBAKU"
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/fujizakura/hobaku/
HOBAKU is a special Christmas beer born from a distinguished collaboration with SADOYA, a renowned Yamanashi winery established in 1917 with a long and proud history.
This beer luxuriously uses Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from SADOYA's vineyard and fermented together with the wort, creating an elegant aroma reminiscent of champagne or grand vin, with a delicate and silky mouthfeel.
The harmony created by "Barbe Rouge," a precious French hop used for the first time, brings out a refined aftertaste without compromising the depth of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
With an alcohol content of 8.0%, this beer stands alongside the main course of a Christmas dinner and pairs beautifully with rich chocolate or elegant cakes. Like wine, it has become a special beer that elevates any dining table.
This Christmas, enjoy a unique luxury experience woven from tradition and innovation with HOBAKU.
The beer is available for purchase at Fujizakura Heights Beer direct sales stores, online shops (Rakuten Market), and some supermarkets and convenience stores in Yamanashi Prefecture.
It can also be enjoyed at SADOYA's directly operated restaurant "SADOYA Restaurant Real D'Or."
Development Story of HOBAKU
Through a wonderful connection, the joint development of this collaboration beer with SADOYA, Yamanashi's prestigious winery, began.
During visits and meetings at both SADOYA's winery and the Fujizakura Heights Beer brewery, it was decided to use freshly pressed "Cabernet Sauvignon" juice that SADOYA uses for wine production.
Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen because its late harvest timing allows for limited beer sales at Christmas, and the red juice would create a beer with a color resembling red wine.
During the brewing work conducted at the end of September, freshly pressed Cabernet Sauvignon juice was blended with ale beer. For the hops, "Barbe Rouge," a French hop with a noble aroma reminiscent of wine, was selected for the first time to maximize the aroma and fruitiness of the Cabernet.
The result is a beer with the color and aroma of red wine, achieved through careful brewing that brings out complex aromas and flavors from the assertive character of the Cabernet itself.
This beer pairs excellently with meat dishes such as roast beef, lamb chops, and roasted duck, as well as rich chocolate and elegant cakes, making it a recommended product for Christmas dinners and Valentine's Day gifts.
About SADOYA Winery
SADOYA Winery is a long-established establishment founded in 1917 in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Pursuing "wine to enjoy with meals," it is known as a pioneer of authentic dry wines in Japan. Located just a 5-minute walk from Kofu Station, visitors can enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and the restaurant (Real D'Or) in an atmosphere reminiscent of southern France at this popular tourist spot. The historic underground cellar and the flagship wine "Chateau Brillant," which has won numerous awards, are particularly famous.
SADOYA Winery: https://sadoya.co.jp/winery/
Comment from Fujizakura Heights Beer Head Brewer Furuya
Through this encounter with SADOYA, Yamanashi's prestigious winery, I learned a great deal. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from SADOYA's vineyard and for the time they dedicated during their busy wine production season.
This experience reminded me that Fujizakura Heights Beer still has much to learn.
The beer turned out delicious because it was made with excellent grapes. I am proud to deliver new enjoyment to the dining table by bridging the gap between wine and beer.
The name "HOBAKU" was chosen by taking the first characters from "葡萄酒" (budoshu, wine) and "麦酒" (bakushu, beer), as the highlight of this collaboration beer is using Cabernet Sauvignon juice from SADOYA's vineyard.
Additionally, another highlight is that part of HOBAKU is being aged in used oak barrels from SADOYA.
The barrel-aged HOBAKU, slowly matured in oak barrels, is scheduled to be released around March 2026. I hope many people will enjoy the unique flavor of this collaboration beer, aged like wine.
Product Overview
Product Name: Fujizakura Heights Beer HOBAKU
Category: Happoshu (Malt usage rate 50% or more)
Release Date: December 5, 2025 (Friday)
Alcohol Content: 8.0% IBU: 23
Volume: 330ml bottle Suggested Retail Price: 660 yen (tax included)
Online Shop: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/fujizakura/
※Sales will end when stock runs out, as this is a limited edition beer.
About Fujizakura Heights Beer
Fujizakura Heights Beer uses precious underground water that emerges from Mount Fuji over several decades and is brewed with techniques cultivated at "Doemens Academy," one of the few nationally certified schools in Germany. Most of the raw materials are imported from Germany, and the beers are 100% malt (with some exceptions). Additionally, because they are unfiltered, they contain live yeast, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste and aroma of beer.
The beers are sold at Fuji Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.'s leisure facilities, some supermarkets and convenience stores in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as through various online shops including Rakuten Market.
Starting in October 2025, Fujizakura Heights Beer released "Pilsner Filtered" and "Weizen Filtered," which can be stored at room temperature by "filtering" yeast using a centrifugal separator.
While maintaining the quality of Fujizakura Heights Beer, filtering to the extent possible enables room temperature storage.
Going forward, please enjoy "Pilsner Filtered" and "Weizen Filtered" according to your needs.
Fujizakura Heights Beer Standard 4 Varieties
Pilsner: A premium lager beer featuring a balanced combination of aroma hops and bitter hops
(Alcohol 5.0%)
Weizen: An easy-drinking beer with a fruity aroma and refined taste that even beer-averse people can enjoy
(Alcohol 5.5%)
Rauchbier: A smoked beer from Bamberg, Germany, rarely available in Japan
(Alcohol 5.5%)
Schwarzweizen: A new standard for black beer combining sharpness and sweet fragrance
(Alcohol 5.0%)
Location: 6663-1 Funatsu Kenmaruojiri, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Inquiries: TEL 0555-83-2236
Website: https://www.fujizakura-beer.jp/
