Orion Beer Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture; President and CEO Hajime Murano) is launching “Southern Cross Winery Shikuwasa,” a new product and the second installment in the “Southern Cross Winery” series, which leverages the brewing technology cultivated since the company’s founding and the knowledge of Okinawan ingredients gained through product development to date. Sales will begin on July 1, 2025, in Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands, and on August 5 of the same year nationwide and on the company’s e-commerce site.
“Southern Cross Winery Shikuwasa” is a fruit wine made with shikuwasa from Okinawa Prefecture, based on the concept of "wines crafted by sommeliers who know Okinawan ingredients inside and out, designed to be enjoyed with meals." The first release, “Passion Fruit,” launched in March of last year, sold out on the official online store in just four days after its release. By the following month, in-store stock had also sold out, and the wine became so popular that shipments were temporarily suspended. In response to this positive reception, we are now launching a new wine made with Okinawan shikuwasa as the second installment in the series.
This product is made using a unique production method called “macération fruit,” in which Okinawan shikuwasa is steeped after the fruit juice has been fermented. We use shikuwasa from the Yanbaru region and steep it slowly with wood chips to bring out its rich flavor while toning down its distinctive astringency. It features a complex flavor profile that combines the refreshing aroma and light tartness of shikuwasa with a subtle toasty note.
This wine has a crisp, dry profile featuring the refreshing aroma and light acidity of shikuwasa. It pairs well with food, and we recommend pairing it with simple dishes such as fresh cheese, Japanese-style salads, and fried foods.
Following the first release, the packaging design is once again by Okinawa-based artist Denpa. It features an original painting inspired by Southern Cross Winery. We also offer a gift box that’s perfect for presenting as a gift, so please consider it as a souvenir from Okinawa or a special gift for celebratory occasions.
[About Southern Cross Winery]
Southern Cross Winery is a tropical winery in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, operated by Orion Beer. Drawing on winemaking techniques honed over 66 years since its founding and knowledge of Okinawan ingredients gained through product development, the winery crafts wines that bring out the natural flavors of the fruit itself. The “Southern Cross”—the origin of the winery’s name—is a constellation in which four stars form a cross, shining beautifully in the Okinawan sky. The name “Southern Cross Winery” embodies our desire to utilize tropical ingredients to create products that are uniquely our own.
[About Denpa]
Painter/Artist. Born in Okinawa in 1983. Focusing primarily on paintings and murals, he pursues pure visual pleasure through abstract expression that embodies indescribable textures and nuances under the theme of “no concept.” While based in his hometown of Okinawa, he maintains a global presence, holding solo exhibitions in Brooklyn, New York, and throughout Japan.
Product Overview
[Product Name] Southern Cross Winery Shikuwasa, 720ml Bottle
(Southern Cross Winery, Shikuwasa)
[Product Features] "Wines crafted by sommeliers who know Okinawan ingredients inside and out, designed to pair perfectly with meals"
Sept: A fruit wine that brings out the full charm of fruits grown in Okinawa Prefecture.
It features unique label designs by “Denpa,” a designer from Okinawa Prefecture.
[Alcoholic Beverage Category] Fruit Wine
[Alcohol Content] 12%
[Ingredients] Concentrated white grape juice (imported), shikuwasa (from Okinawa Prefecture) / Antioxidant (sulfites)
[Product for Sale] 6 bottles (720 ml each) (case)
[Release Date]
Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands, July 1, 2025
Nationwide and on Our E-Commerce Site, August 5, 2025
[Sales Regions] Nationwide, our e-commerce site
[Price] Open price
[Brand Website (Launched June 24)]https://www.orionbeer.co.jp/brand/southerncrosswinery/
[Official Online Store (Launched August 5)]https://shop.orionbeer.co.jp/products/8301
