Izutsu Wine
井筒ワイン
One of Japan's oldest estate wineries (est. 1933) in the legendary Kikyogahara appellation of Shiojiri, Nagano. Rigorous scientific winemaking extracts the purest varietal character from 23 cultivated grape varieties, including a Kikyogahara Merlot that has become a Japanese wine benchmark.
Founded in 1933 in Kikyogahara, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Izutsu Wine is one of Japan's oldest and most respected wineries. The winery was established when the founder's grandfather, facing economic hardship after the Great Depression devastated the silk industry, planted grape vines and began making wine. Today in its third generation, Izutsu manages 19 hectares of estate vineyards at 700 meters elevation and produces approximately 800,000 bottles annually — one of the largest outputs among Japanese estate wineries. The winery cultivates around 23 grape varieties including both local specialties (Concord, Niagara) and international varieties (Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc). Winemaker Noda's approach is rigorously scientific: every decision is data-driven, with the paramount goal of expressing each grape variety's inherent character. The winery is also known for its additive-free 'nama-wine' (生ぶどう酒) — unfiltered, unpasteurized, bottled fresh — which has earned a devoted following. Their Kikyogahara Merlot has won top prizes at the Japan Wine Competition including Gold medals and Best-in-Category honors, placing the appellation on the world wine map.
www.izutsuwine.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for wine lovers who want to explore the depth of Japanese wine — from approachable, fruit-forward everyday bottles (additive-free Concord and Niagara 'nama-wine') to serious, internationally recognized Kikyogahara Merlots and barrel-aged Chardonnays. Also ideal for drinkers curious about Japan's wine heritage who appreciate tradition paired with scientific precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Izutsu Wine's signature wine?
- The Kikyogahara Merlot — sold under the 'Chateau Izutsu' label — is the winery's flagship and Japan's most acclaimed Merlot. Produced as a single-varietal (monocépage) from estate Kikyogahara fruit, it has won Gold and Best-in-Category at the Japan Wine Competition and is a benchmark for Japanese red wine.
- What is the 'nama-wine' (生ぶどう酒) that Izutsu is famous for?
- Izutsu's 'nama-wine' (生ぶどう酒) is an additive-free, unfiltered, and unpasteurized wine made from Concord and Niagara grapes — traditional local varieties that have been grown in Kikyogahara for generations. Released fresh each autumn, it delivers vibrant, grapey fruit flavors and has attracted a devoted following among Japanese wine enthusiasts.
- What is Izutsu Wine's winemaking philosophy?
- Izutsu's winemaking is driven by a scientific, data-led approach with one guiding principle: to express the authentic character of each grape variety. Rather than blending or masking, the winery releases many wines as single-varietal (monocépage) bottlings. The goal, as articulated by founder's vision, is 'to produce world-class wine' — at every price point.
- When was Izutsu Wine founded and what is its history?
- Founded in 1933 by the Tsukahara family, Izutsu Wine emerged from the ruins of the Great Depression that had devastated the local silk industry. The founder's grandfather planted grape vines in Kikyogahara and began making wine. The current third-generation president, Yoshiaki Tsukahara, studied at Yamanashi University's fermentation research institute and was a pioneer in introducing European wine varieties to Nagano.
- What grape varieties does Izutsu Wine grow?
- Izutsu cultivates approximately 23 varieties across its 19-hectare estate. Key varieties include Merlot (the star red variety, for which Kikyogahara is internationally renowned), Chardonnay (released both unoaked and barrel-aged), and Sauvignon Blanc. Traditional local varieties Concord and Niagara remain important for the popular 'nama-wine' range.