Wakayama Prefecture’s local “umeshu” plum wine producers are striving to flow out to new markets abroad. And they have set their sights on France, a major wine-drinking country.

Blend until smooth. Add the syrup, plum wine, and lemon juice and continue processing. Pour the mixture into a 13x9x2-inch nonaluminum or glass baking pan. Freeze for about 1 1/2 hours.

The wine opens with fresh aromas of red cherries, plum, and a touch of violet. It has a light earthiness, herbaceous hints of oregano and thyme, and subtle spices of cinnamon and cloves.

steamed pork buns with plum wine seasoning. Ume-flavored ochazuke (rice with green tea poured over it) should help keep you warm, and there will also be sets of plum wine which allow you to compare ...

Grapes from the first two vintages were sold, but in 2003 the decision was taken to make wine under the Plum Hill Vineyard label. The ’06 wines will be on release for some time; the ’07 ...