Asia’s Top 10 Wine Importers by Revenue Ranked

No. 3. Enoteca

Revenue: US$236.4 million

Country: Japan

Enoteca, founded in 1988 by Yasuhisa Hirose, is Japan’s largest fine wine importer and one of the most influential wine merchants in Asia, with operations in South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and recently, Vietnam. The company specializes in importing, retailing, and wholesaling wine, operating over 60 stores across Japan.

Acquired by Asahi in 2015, Enoteca employed 962 staff by the end of 2023 and reported sales of 34 billion yen (US$236.4 million), making it the largest wine-focused merchant in Asia by revenue.

With the motto “For All Wine Lovers,” Enoteca distributes over 3,000 wines from renowned labels, including France’s Méo-Camuzet, Domaine Leflaive, Bollinger, Leroy, Italy’s San Guido, Valdicava, Australia’s Giant Steps, Yarra Yering, Spain’s Vega Sicilia, and the USA’s Delicato Family Wines.

In 2022, Shinji Hori became president and director, aiming to expand the company’s international market share to 50%, matching its domestic presence. During the pandemic, Enoteca launched its global expansion, beginning in Thailand and Vietnam.

Hori emphasized the company’s strength in multi-region and multi-channel distribution in Asia. Enoteca’s buying team actively participates in major international wine fairs like ProWein and Vinexpo Hong Kong. Hirose, the company’s founder, is a notable figure in the industry, being the only Asian board member of Vinexposium and recognized as one of the 50 most influential people in wine by Decanter magazine in 2013.