Akiu Winery
秋保ワイナリー
Miyagi's first winery, pioneering post-earthquake revival through 'Terroage' wine tourism in Akiu hot spring village
Akiu Winery (Sendai Akiu Brewery Co., Ltd.) is Miyagi Prefecture's pioneering winery, established in 2014 and opened in December 2015 by architect-turned-winemaker Chikafusa Mohri. Located in the famous Akiu hot spring district — the 'inner sanctum of Sendai' — just 30 minutes from the city center, the winery was born from Mohri's vision to revitalize Tohoku's coastal communities devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake through the power of wine and food culture. The estate vineyard spans approximately 2 hectares with around 7,000 vines of 12 grape varieties including Merlot, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Albariño, and Pinotage. The south-facing valley slopes and cool breezes from the Natori River, combined with mineral-rich 'Akiu-ishi' volcanic tuff soil, produce wines of distinctive freshness and mineral character. Mohri coined the concept of 'Terroage' — blending terroir with mariage (food-wine pairing) — to advocate for wine tourism that celebrates local food, crafts, and culture. A winner of the Japan Winery Award 3-Star in both 2024 and 2025, Akiu Winery also operates the restaurant TERROAGE AKIU (opened August 2024) and holds monthly farm markets.
akiuwinery.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
For those who want to experience Japanese wine with a powerful sense of place — where a volcanic mineral terroir, the healing culture of an onsen town, and a mission-driven winemaker all converge in one glass
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Akiu Winery's connection to Akiu Onsen?
- Akiu Winery is situated within the Akiu hot spring district, a renowned resort area about 30 minutes from central Sendai. The winery embraces the 'Terroage' philosophy — pairing local Miyagi wines with the cuisine and culture of onsen tourism — making it a landmark destination for visitors to the hot spring town.
- Why was Akiu Winery founded?
- Akiu Winery was founded by architect Chikafusa Mohri in the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to revitalize Tohoku's coastal farming and fishing communities through wine and food culture. The winery aims to be the center of a 'Terroage' wine tourism movement that promotes Miyagi's abundant local produce.
- What grape varieties does Akiu Winery grow?
- The estate's 2-hectare vineyard features approximately 7,000 vines of 12 varieties, including Merlot, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Albariño, and Pinotage. The volcanic tuff ('Akiu-ishi') soil gives all wines a distinctive mineral character.
- Has Akiu Winery won any awards?
- Yes. Akiu Winery won the Japan Winery Award 3-Star in 2024 and 2025 consecutively, and individual wines including a Sauvignon Blanc 2024 and 'Sushi Wine' received bronze medals at the Japan Wine Competition 2025. Their Akiu Craft Cider 2023 won silver at the Japan Cider Cup 2025.
- Can I visit Akiu Winery?
- Yes. The winery is open most days (closed Tuesdays) from 9:30 to 17:00. Visitors can enjoy paid wine tastings at the glass-walled café overlooking the vineyards. Guided winery and vineyard tours (approx. 60 minutes, from ¥4,000, groups of 2–10) are available on weekdays with advance reservation. A restaurant, TERROAGE AKIU, opened in August 2024.