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.

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 ...

These stalls offer local dishes and seasonal treats inspired by the blossoms. You can indulge in freshly made umeboshi (pickled plums), umeshu (plum wine) and various plum-flavored sweets.

Using words to describe wine is fraught with peril and leaves wine writers exposed to ridicule. Adapting a line from Martin Mull: writing about wine is like dancing about architecture. And we do it ...