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 SFIWC has released the 2024 wine competition winners. Five Merlot wines made the final round. Below are brief descriptions of the wines and tasting notes.

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 ...