Gassan Toraya Winery
月山トラヤワイナリー
Authentic Yamagata wines crafted from 100% local fruits.
Located at the foot of the 1,980-meter-tall Mt. Gassan in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Gassan Toraya Winery is a dedicated producer of Japanese wine. Established in 1982 as the wine division of the historic Chiyo Kotobuki Sake Brewery (whose roots trace back to 1696), the winery operates under the philosophy that wine and climate are inseparable. It exclusively uses 100% locally grown fruits from Yamagata, including grapes such as Muscat Bailey A and Merlot, alongside cherries and La France pears vinified into fruit wines and apple-based sparkling cider. Managing the process from cultivation through fermentation, the winery has earned recognition including a Silver at the 2023 SAKURA Award and Gold medals at the Femina Japon 2024/2025 competitions for its Tsukitora Merlot and Tsukitora Muscat Bailey A.
wine.chiyokotobuki.com/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for those who appreciate terroir-driven Japanese wines and seek award-winning bottles that pair beautifully with local Japanese cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Gassan Toraya Winery use imported grapes?
- No, the winery exclusively uses 100% locally grown fruits from Yamagata Prefecture, including Muscat Bailey A and Merlot grapes.
- What kind of food pairs well with their wines?
- Their wines, particularly the light red Muscat Bailey A, are excellent companions for soy-sauce-based Japanese dishes.
- Has Gassan Toraya Winery won any awards?
- Yes. The winery received a Silver at the 2023 SAKURA Award, and its Tsukitora Merlot 2020 and Tsukitora Muscat Bailey A 2020 each won Gold at the Femina Japon world wine competitions in 2024 and 2025.
- Is the winery open for visitors?
- Yes, the winery welcomes visitors for tours and tastings, though reservations and checking operating hours in advance are recommended.