Hayashi Farm
林農園
Pioneer of Merlot cultivation in Japan's Kikyogahara since 1951, with over 110 years of winemaking history and international award-winning wines including the famous Kikyogahara Merlot.
Hayashi Farm (Hayashi Noen) is one of Japan's oldest and most historically significant wineries, founded in 1911 by Goichi Hayashi in the Kikyogahara plateau of Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture. They began wine production in 1919 and became the first winery to introduce Merlot to the Kikyogahara region in 1951, bringing cuttings from Yamagata Prefecture and pioneering what would become Japan's most celebrated Merlot terroir. Their wines are sold under the brand name "Goichi Wine" (五一わいん), named after the founder. Situated at 700 meters elevation in the Kikyogahara appellation, the winery maintains 7 hectares of estate vineyards plus a 5-hectare farm opened in 2011 in Kakezawa, Shiojiri, and works with local contract growers. The acidic volcanic ash soil, ample sunlight, low rainfall, and large day-night temperature variation create ideal conditions for Merlot and other varieties including Chardonnay, Niagara, Ryugan (善光寺竜眼), Muscat Bailey A, and Seibel 9110. Goichi Wine's international reputation was established when Mercian's Kikyogahara Merlot 1985—made from Hayashi Farm grapes—won a Grand Gold Award at the prestigious Ljubljana International Wine Competition in 1989. The winery's own Kikyogahara Merlot went on to win Gold at the Bordeaux Challenge International du Vin in 2005. Their noble rot Chardonnay, first discovered on their estate in 1993, has also garnered international acclaim at the Ljubljana competition. The winery's philosophy is "good wine comes from good grape cultivation," and they practice an integrated approach from vine to bottle. They also produce a botrytized Chardonnay that has achieved global recognition, and a range of approachable everyday wines under the "Goichi Wine Special" and "Goichi Wine Economy" labels. The winery received Japan Winery Award (JWA) 2025 recognition.
www.goichiwine.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the elegance of Japanese terroir-driven wines, food-and-wine pairing lovers seeking bottles that complement Japanese cuisine, and those drawn to the history of Japanese winemaking. The wide range from premium Kikyogahara Merlot to affordable everyday bottles makes Goichi Wine accessible for both curious beginners and seasoned collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hayashi Farm (Goichi Wine) best known for?
- Hayashi Farm is best known for pioneering Merlot cultivation in the Kikyogahara appellation of Nagano in 1951. Their Kikyogahara Merlot is widely regarded as one of Japan's finest red wines, having won Gold at the Bordeaux Challenge International du Vin in 2005, and their grapes were the source for a Grand Gold-winning wine at the Ljubljana International Wine Competition in 1989.
- What wine varieties does Goichi Wine produce?
- Goichi Wine produces Merlot, Chardonnay, Niagara, Ryugan (Zenkoji-ryugan, a native Japanese variety), Muscat Bailey A, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Seibel 9110. They are also acclaimed for a rare botrytized noble rot Chardonnay first produced in 1993. Their range spans from premium estate wines (Estate Goichi series) to affordable everyday bottles.
- When was Hayashi Farm founded and what is its history?
- Hayashi Farm was founded in 1911 by Goichi Hayashi, who settled in the Kikyogahara plateau of Shiojiri, Nagano. Wine production began in 1919, and in 1951 they introduced Merlot to the region—the first in Japan to do so in Kikyogahara. The winery brand 'Goichi Wine' (五一わいん) was launched in 1975. Today, the winery spans over 7 hectares of estate vineyards and is still considered one of Nagano's most historic and respected producers.
- What food does Goichi Wine pair well with?
- Goichi Wine pairs exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine. Their Merlot, with its rounded tannins and harmonious acidity, complements grilled meats, teriyaki, and rich umami-based dishes. Niagara and Ryugan whites pair beautifully with soba, tofu, and vegetables. The Chardonnay works well with seafood and lighter Japanese dishes. The winery's philosophy is that their wines should enhance enjoyable meals and celebrations.
- Has Goichi Wine won any international awards?
- Yes. Grapes from Hayashi Farm were used in Mercian's Kikyogahara Merlot 1985, which won a Grand Gold at the Ljubljana International Wine Competition (Slovenia) in 1989—a landmark moment for Japanese wine. The winery's own Kikyogahara Merlot won Gold at the Bordeaux Challenge International du Vin (France) in 2005. Their noble rot Chardonnay has also received international recognition. The winery received Japan Winery Award (JWA) 2025.