What does "Wine Castle" refer to?

It's the nickname for Asahimachi Wine's castle-like visitor facility in Asahi Town, Yamagata, completed in 2000, where guests can watch part of the bottling process and taste over 20 wines and brandies.

Is Asahimachi Wine a private company?

No — it operates as a third-sector enterprise jointly funded by Asahi Town and the JA Sagae-Nishimurayama agricultural cooperative, reflecting its deep ties to local grape farmers.

What grape varieties does Asahimachi Wine use?

Primarily Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen for reds, and Delaware, Seibel and Riesling Forte for whites, with more than half of the fruit sourced from farmers along the Mogami River.

Has Asahimachi Wine received international recognition?

Yes — its Meister Selection Barrel Selection Rouge 2013 was served at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit working lunch in 2016, and the winery has won consecutive gold medals at the Japan Wine Competition.

Can visitors tour the winery?

Yes, the Wine Castle facility welcomes visitors year-round for bottling-line viewing and free tastings of more than 20 wines and brandies.

ProducerYamagata

Asahimachi Wine

朝日町ワイン

Historic Yamagata winery behind the iconic 'Wine Castle'

About Asahimachi Wine

Founded: 1944; 82 years ago
Location: 朝日町; 山形県
Wines listed: 9; Sparkling 4, White 2, Rosé 1, Red 2
Main grapes: Muscat Bailey A, Delaware, Black Queen

Founded in 1944 in Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Asahimachi Wine (officially Asahimachi Wine Co., Ltd.) is a third-sector winery jointly operated by the local town government and the JA Sagae-Nishimurayama agricultural cooperative — a model of terroir-driven, community-rooted Japanese winemaking. Housed in a distinctive castle-like building nicknamed the 'Wine Castle,' the winery sources more than half of its grapes, chiefly Muscat Bailey A, Black Queen, Delaware, Seibel and Riesling Forte, from local farmers along the Mogami River's sloping, clay-rich terraces. Red wines are aged in French oak to develop depth and aroma, while whites, rosés and blush wines are fermented at low temperatures for fresh, fruity character. The winery has won consecutive gold medals at the Japan Wine Competition (2013, 2014, 2018), and its Meister Selection Barrel Selection Rouge 2013 was served at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit working lunch in 2016. Visitors can tour the bottling line and taste more than 20 wines and brandies at the on-site Wine Castle facility.

Official website: asahimachi-wine.jp ↗

Who Is This For?

For travelers and wine lovers who want to experience Japan's community-driven winemaking firsthand — touring a working winery, tasting award-winning Muscat Bailey A reds, and seeing how a whole town rallies behind its local wine.

Wines of Asahimachi Wine

Sparkling4

White2

Rosé1

Asahimachi Wine RoséMuscat Bailey A

Red2

Location & Nearby

Address: 山形県西村山郡朝日町大字大谷字高野1080番地View map ↗
Founded: 1944

Source: asahimachi-wine.jp (checked Sep 2026)

The pin with the gold outline marks Asahimachi Wine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Wine Castle" refer to?: It's the nickname for Asahimachi Wine's castle-like visitor facility in Asahi Town, Yamagata, completed in 2000, where guests can watch part of the bottling process and taste over 20 wines and brandies.
Is Asahimachi Wine a private company?: No — it operates as a third-sector enterprise jointly funded by Asahi Town and the JA Sagae-Nishimurayama agricultural cooperative, reflecting its deep ties to local grape farmers.
What grape varieties does Asahimachi Wine use?: Primarily Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen for reds, and Delaware, Seibel and Riesling Forte for whites, with more than half of the fruit sourced from farmers along the Mogami River.
Has Asahimachi Wine received international recognition?: Yes — its Meister Selection Barrel Selection Rouge 2013 was served at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit working lunch in 2016, and the winery has won consecutive gold medals at the Japan Wine Competition.
Can visitors tour the winery?: Yes, the Wine Castle facility welcomes visitors year-round for bottling-line viewing and free tastings of more than 20 wines and brandies.