Châteraisé and Yatsudoki’s 2023 Grape Fair to feature Shine Muscat and Pione from Yamanashi Prefecture

Thanks to its rich, fertile soil, sunny weather, and access to fresh spring water, the Yamanashi Prefecture is a prime spot for growing peaches, pears, and grapes. It is responsible for the highest production levels of the three fruits in Japan, rightfully earning its moniker as the country’s Kingdom of Fruits. This September, enjoy the prefecture’s grapes — of the Shine Muscat and pione varietals — through Châteraisé and Yatsudoki’s line-up of Shine Muscat and Pione cakes and pastries! The months of July through September are the harvesting season, so you will get to savor the two grapes at the peak of their freshness.

The green shine muscat boasts a thin and edible peel, and its texture is crispy. Relish the juiciness, sweetness, and sophisticated aroma of this plump fruit! Of an enticing bold purple-black exterior, the pione is mostly grown seedless, and it is typically larger than the famed Kyoho grape. Bite into it to reveal its light green flesh. 

Châteraisé and Yatsudoki’s 2023 Grape Fair will be held from 1 September to 30 September and offers 25 items in total. 

Cakes and pastries galore at Châteraisé 

Over at Châteraisé, numerous offerings will showcase the two Yamanashi grapes in all their glory. Both the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Tart and Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Tart ($7.20) are quadruple-layer treats comprising sponge, pie, and toppings of custard and rare cheese cream. 

The Fromage tart option comes in two flavors: Yamanashi Shine Muscat Fromage Tart and Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Fromage Tart ($40).

Yearning for cakes? There are four mainstays for individual enjoyment. Start with the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Cake or Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Cake ($5.80), which gets a tangy boost thanks to the presence of strawberries and strawberry powder. The Yamanashi Shine Muscat Square Cake ($6.80) is for fruit lovers with toppings of pear, yellow peach, and strawberry chunks. Finally, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Rare Cheese Cake ($5.50) is enlivened by a sweet layer of mixed berry sauce and swaps the usual fresh cream for cheese cream that delivers a savory punch. 

For those celebrating a special occasion, Châteraisé's whole cakes bring a whole new level. Available in different sizes starting from $55, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Whole Cakes and Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Whole Cakes are decorated with fruits alongside strawberries embedded within fluffy sponge cakes. Beautifully arrayed with fruit and swirls of fresh cream, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Fleur ($45) is a tower of fresh cream, sponge cake, and multiple layers of grapes. Not to be missed is the Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Half and Half Whole Cake ($55, 18cm), a combination of a decadent chocolate cream cake — made with chocolate syrup, chocolate cream, cereal, cocoa sponge, and fresh strawberry sauce.

Other surprises in the line-up include the Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione White Zebra ($47), a unique offering that marries crepe, sponge cake, and fresh cream for a fun textural interplay. Cheese lovers must get the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Souffle Cheese Cake ($30, 14cm), which sees a block of souffle cheese perched on top of a sponge base. A Japanese take on the Italian classic, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Zuccotto ($9.20) is a wedge filled with fresh cream and the two fruits. 

Elegantly presented, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat Jelly Glass and Yamanashi Pione Jelly Glass ($6.20) see respective fruits encased in lemon-flavored jelly. They make a complementary refreshing addition to beverages. Finally, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Parfait ($8.50) is filled to the brim with strawberry sauce, fresh cream, strawberry confiture, custard fresh cream, strawberry jelly, and dried strawberry.

Indulge in Yatsudoki’s sweet offerings

Premium brand Yatsudoki will similarly offer irresistible surprises to delight all sweet-toothed. The Yamanashi Shine Muscat Zuccotto ($14.30) will be available here, with green grapes taking the spotlight. Sink your bite into the gigantic Yamanashi Shine Muscat Double Cream Puff ($6.90), which features fresh cream, custard, and Shine Muscat sandwiched between crunchy and delicate puff pastry. An absolute treat for the whole family, the Yamanashi Shine Muscat and Pione Shortcake ($9.30, sliced; $47, 12cm; $68, 18cm) is a divine combination of fresh cream, two grapes, and a light sponge. The whole cakes also boast the addition of custard fresh cream.