Kirin Begins Joint Research with RIKEN on Challenges Facing Wine Grape Cultivation Under Climate Change

∙ Joint research with RIKEN CSRS begins to address the impact of climate change on wine grape cultivation.

∙ Verification will be conducted under actual cultivation conditions at Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard.

∙ The project aims to support sustainable wine grape cultivation by improving adaptability to heat and drought.

TOKYO, September 14, 2026 - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) announced that its Institute for Future Beverages has commenced a joint research project with RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (RIKEN CSRS), part of RIKEN, a National Research and Development Agency, to improve the adaptability of wine grapes to heat and drought conditions. Wine grapes are highly influenced by natural environmental factors such as climate, water availability, and soil conditions. As climate change advances, there is an increasing need for solutions that enable the stable cultivation of high-quality grapes.

In this joint research project, the partners will combine RIKEN CSRS's expertise in plant environmental stress response research with the research, development, and cultivation technologies of Kirin Holdings and Mercian Corporation. Verification will be conducted under actual cultivation conditions at Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard. The project also aims to generate knowledge that could lead to technologies enabling the continued cultivation of existing grape varieties while maintaining quality and yield even under changing climate conditions.

This joint research is also positioned as part of the practical implementation efforts under the Cabinet Office's "BRIDGE (Program for Bridging the gap between R&D and the Ideal society (Society 5.0) and Generating Economic and social value*1)," in which RIKEN participates, with the objective of facilitating the social implementation of research outcomes.
*1 A Cabinet Office initiative designed to accelerate the social implementation of research and development outcomes and contribute to the realization of Society 5.0. Japanese only (https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/society5_0/index.html)

Background

In recent years, rising temperatures and increasing drought associated with climate change have become major concerns in wine-producing regions around the world due to their impact on grape growth, fruit quality, and water resource utilization. While adaptation measures such as irrigation have been introduced, securing agricultural water itself remains a challenge in regions where water resources are limited. Consequently, there is growing demand for new technologies and scientific knowledge that can support sustainable cultivation under climate change while making effective use of limited water resources.
RIKEN CSRS has accumulated extensive knowledge on how plants respond and adapt to various environmental changes, contributing to the stable production of agricultural crops. Meanwhile, Kirin Holdings has long leveraged its strengths in fermentation and biotechnology to promote business activities that respect and help sustain natural capital. Mercian has also developed cultivation technologies and expertise through managing domestic vineyards, with the goal of supporting the sustainable development of Japanese wine.
By validating these accumulated insights under actual wine grape cultivation conditions, the organizations have launched this joint research project with the aim of realizing sustainable cultivation technologies in the face of climate change.

Overview

Since April 2026, the joint research team has been conducting verification studies in selected vineyard plots at Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. The research evaluates plant growth conditions and environmental factors while assessing the potential for improving adaptability to heat and drought conditions.

Research Start

April 2026

Research Partner

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science

Research Objective

Acquisition of knowledge that contributes to maintaining the quality and yield of existing grape varieties under climate change

Research Activities

Verification under actual cultivation conditions regarding improved adaptability to heat and drought environments

Test Site

Selected vineyard plots at Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard

Key Features

A key feature of this project is the validation of scientific findings from plant environmental stress response research under real-world cultivation conditions, where environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall vary naturally. By using Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard as a demonstration site, the project will evaluate how improvements in adaptability to heat and drought conditions may contribute to maintaining the quality and yield of existing grape varieties.
At this stage, the research has only begun verification under actual cultivation conditions, and the effectiveness and potential applicability of the approach will be carefully assessed going forward.

Future Outlook

Through this research, Kirin Holdings and RIKEN aim to deepen their understanding of wine grape growth and cultivation under environmental changes such as high temperatures and drought. Looking ahead, the organizations will explore the potential application of technologies that support the continued cultivation of existing grape varieties in wine-producing regions in Japan and overseas where challenges such as heat stress and water shortages are becoming increasingly significant.
Leveraging fermentation and biotechnology, Kirin is advancing research to enhance the sustainability of biological resources. Guided by respect for nature, Kirin aims to pass nature’s blessings on to future　generation.

About Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.
Under its long-term vision “Innovate2035!”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourages behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group-wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well-being.
The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth in corporate value.
*Creating Shared Value: combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.