Nitori Winery
ニトリワイナリー
A 154-year-old fruit orchard reborn as Yoichi's newest cool-climate winery
Nitori Winery is a young producer in Yoichi, Hokkaido, born from a 154-year-old fruit orchard. The former Yamamoto Kanko Kajuen was taken over in 2019 by Akio Nitatori, CEO of Nitori Holdings, as a personal investment to preserve a beloved local institution. Grapes were first planted in 2022 on sea-facing slopes, and the winery released its first commercial vintage in 2024 via contract brewing. Head winemaker Ayaori Yamada, who moved to Yoichi from Nagano in 2022, pursues wines faithful to the basics — showcasing Yoichi's cool-climate fruit character and acidity. A new winery building opened in April 2025, marking the start of full in-house production. The 2.4-hectare vineyard focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with plans to expand into Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and sparkling wines.
www.instagram.com/nitoriwinery/ ↗Cuvées
ニトリワイナリー シャルドネ
Nitori Winery Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
Nitori Winery's debut Chardonnay from Yoichi's cool, sea-facing vineyard. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve the grape's natural fruit character and bright acidity — the winemaker's stated philosophy. This is a clean, honest expression of Yoichi terroir: vivid citrus and white fruit aromas, with the refreshing mineral quality that the maritime climate imparts. Pairs naturally with local Hokkaido seafood and everyday Japanese meals.
ニトリワイナリー ピノノワール
Nitori Winery Pinot Noir
RedPinot Noir
Nitori Winery's debut Pinot Noir from the cool, sea-facing vineyards of Yoichi. True to the winery's founding philosophy of honest, food-friendly winemaking, this is a light-bodied, elegant expression of cool-climate Pinot Noir. Bright red fruit character, fine acidity, and a gentle earthiness typical of Yoichi-grown Pinot make it a versatile companion for both Japanese and Western cuisine.
Who Is This For?
For those curious about Japan's rising wine scene, especially lovers of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay who seek food-friendly, honest wines from a producer with deep local roots
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the history behind Nitori Winery?
- The winery is built on the site of Yamamoto Kanko Kajuen, a fruit orchard founded in 1870. When the previous owner passed away, Nitori Holdings CEO Akio Nitatori personally took over the operation in 2019 to preserve this beloved local institution. Winemaking began in 2022 with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay plantings.
- Who makes the wines at Nitori Winery?
- Head winemaker Ayaori Yamada, who studied winemaking in Nagano and moved to Yoichi in 2022. Her philosophy: 'faithful to the basics of winemaking, gradually developing our own identity.'
- When did Nitori Winery release its first wines?
- The first commercial vintage was 2024, produced via contract brewing. In-house production began with the 2025 harvest after the new winery building opened in April 2025.
- What grape varieties does Nitori Winery grow?
- Currently Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on 2.4 ha. Future plantings include Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Almodnoir. Sparkling wines made by traditional method are planned within a few years.
- What food pairs best with Nitori Winery wines?
- The winemaker specifically aims to complement everyday Japanese meals and Yoichi's local seafood — especially grilled fish, sashimi, and local crab. The high natural acidity of cool-climate Yoichi grapes makes these wines natural companions for Japanese cuisine.