Obuse Winery
小布施ワイナリー
Japan's first JAS-certified organic winery for European varieties (2011); Burgundy-trained winemaker Akihiko Soga; iconic Vigne Sans Chimie (without chemicals) range; JWA 2025 Five Star award; 8 hectares with 4 hectares fully organic; wild-yeast fermentation, unfiltered wines.
Obuse Winery (Domaine Sogga) is one of Japan's most revered natural wine estates, based in Obuse-machi, Nagano Prefecture. Founded as a sake brewery in 1842 and converted to wine production in 1942, it rose to international recognition under fourth-generation winemaker Akihiko Soga, who trained in Vosne-Romanee (1997) and Chablis/Domaine Long-Depaquit (1998) before returning to Japan. In 2005 the winery went entirely chemical-free; in 2011 it became the first Japanese winery to obtain JAS organic certification for European grape varieties. Its flagship Domaine Sogga range (labeled Vigne Sans Chimie, meaning without chemicals) is made with 100% estate-grown organic grapes, wild-yeast fermentation, whole-bunch pressing for whites, whole-berry fermentation for reds, and bottled unfiltered. The Sogga Pere et Fils tier blends estate and contracted growers. Akihiko Soga is a central figure in the Japanese wine revolution, featured in the award-winning 2018 film Usukeboys. The winery received a 5-star award at the Japan Winery Award (JWA) 2025.
www.obusewinery.com ↗Cuvées
Who Is This For?
Wine enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese terroir and natural wine philosophy. Those who love Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noir and elegant Merlot, as well as collectors who appreciate rare, limited-production wines with strong philosophical grounding. Also ideal for those curious about Japan's wine revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the winemaker at Obuse Winery, and what is his background?
- Akihiko Soga is the fourth-generation owner-winemaker. He studied enology at Meiji University and earned a master's degree at Yamanashi University's Wine Science Research Center, then trained at Cave d'Occi Winery in Niigata. He spent 1997 in Vosne-Romanee working at Clos Frantin, and 1998 in Chablis at Domaine Long-Depaquit, mastering both viticulture and winemaking in the Burgundian tradition before returning to lead the family estate.
- What does Sans Chimie (Vigne Sans Chimie) mean?
- Sans Chimie is French for without chemicals. It is the name Obuse Winery gives to wines made from vineyards farmed with absolutely no synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The grapes are fermented with wild (indigenous) yeast and the wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined, representing the estate's purest expression of natural winemaking.
- What are the differences between Domaine Sogga and Sogga Pere et Fils?
- Domaine Sogga uses only 100% estate-grown organic grapes from the winery's own vineyards in Obuse — the highest tier. Sogga Pere et Fils (meaning Sogga Father and Son in French, also known as Soga no Ie or the House of Sogga) also uses some contracted growers' grapes in addition to estate fruit, making it more accessible while still reflecting the winery's philosophy.
- Can I visit Obuse Winery and where is it located?
- Yes, there is a tasting room (shop) open daily 9:00-16:00, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. The address is 571 Oshiba, Obuse-machi, Kamitakai-gun, Nagano (Tel: 026-247-5080). It is a 15-minute walk from Obuse Station, or 5 minutes by car from Obuse Smart IC. Note that winery and vineyard tours are not available as the team focuses on farming. Group tours are not accepted. Weekend visits are best made with a reservation.
- What foods pair well with Obuse Winery wines?
- The Domaine Sogga Merlot and Cinq Cepages reds pair superbly with Shinshu beef, braised mushrooms, and game meats like wild boar. The Chardonnay and Petit Manseng whites complement local fresh mountain trout (iwana/yamame), Nagano soba noodles, and mild soft cheeses. Their Pinot Noir rose (Clairet) is elegant alongside salmon teriyaki or light Japanese charcuterie. All wines suit Japanese-French fusion dining.