Azumino Winery
安曇野ワイナリー
Clear, terroir-driven wines beneath the Northern Japan Alps.
Located at the foot of the Northern Japan Alps in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, Azumino Winery was reborn in 2008 when Kashiyama Kogyo took over the facilities of the formerly bankrupt Azumino Wine company. Under winemaker Akira Kato, the winery pursues 'clear, terroir-driven wine' from roughly 3.3 hectares of estate vineyards planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing around 80,000 bottles a year. The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay bottlings won silver medals at the 2024 Japan Wine Competition. The site also doubles as a popular tourist destination with vineyard and cellar tours, tasting counters, and a terrace cafe.
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for those who enjoy clean, elegant Japanese wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and for visitors seeking a scenic winery experience with tastings and tours in Nagano's Azumino basin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Azumino Winery's winemaking philosophy?
- Under winemaker Akira Kato, the winery pursues 'clear, terroir-driven wine' by growing healthy grapes and vinifying them with meticulous care and cleanliness.
- What grape varieties does Azumino Winery grow?
- The winery's roughly 3.3-hectare estate vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Has Azumino Winery won any awards?
- Yes. At the 2024 Japan Wine Competition, its Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 and Chardonnay 2022 (Chateau Azumino) both won silver medals in the European-variety categories.
- Can visitors tour the winery and taste the wines?
- Yes, Azumino Winery offers vineyard and cellar tours plus free and paid tasting counters, along with a terrace cafe serving light food such as hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream made with local ingredients.