Okuizumo Winery
奥出雲葡萄園
Shimane pioneer of award-winning, terroir-true Chardonnay
Founded in 1990 in Unnan City's Kisuki district, deep in the Chugoku mountains of Shimane Prefecture, Okuizumo Winery began producing wine in 1992 and has grown into one of Western Japan's most respected boutique wineries. The winery's guiding principle is 'symbiosis' (kyosei) — farming in a way that works with the local ecosystem rather than against it, guided by the belief that a grape's true character can only be revealed by the grape itself, not imposed by the winemaker. Its flagship wines are a barrel-aged Chardonnay, matured for around seven months and marked by citrus, dried herb, vanilla and nut aromas with bright acidity and fine minerality, and Kosshi (Kogyoku), a hybrid variety rooted in wild Vitis grapes native to Japan. The winery's dedication was recognized in 2025, when its Chardonnay 2023 won gold at the Japan Wine Competition — the winery's first gold medal after decades of producing Chardonnay since 1995.
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Who Is This For?
For those drawn to Japanese wines with a clear philosophy — low-intervention, ecosystem-respecting farming that lets Shimane's terroir speak through a refined, food-friendly Chardonnay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Okuizumo Winery's signature wine?
- Okuizumo Winery's flagship is its barrel-aged Chardonnay, which won gold at the 2025 Japan Wine Competition — the winery's first gold medal after producing Chardonnay since 1995.
- What is Okuizumo Winery's winemaking philosophy?
- Okuizumo works under a philosophy of 'symbiosis' with nature, farming in harmony with the local ecosystem of the Chugoku mountains and believing that a grape's character can only be decided by the grape itself.
- Where is Okuizumo Winery located?
- Okuizumo Winery is located in the Kisuki district of Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, in a valley deep in the Chugoku mountains, alongside an organic farm and a small dairy.
- What grape varieties does Okuizumo Winery grow?
- Alongside its flagship Chardonnay, Okuizumo Winery grows Kosshi (Kogyoku), a hybrid variety bred from wild Japanese Vitis grapes, as well as related crosses such as White Bailey A and Black Queen types.
- Does Okuizumo Chardonnay pair well with Japanese food?
- Yes. Its bright citrus notes, fine minerality and gentle oak make it a versatile match for delicate Japanese dishes such as grilled white fish, tofu preparations and lightly seasoned vegetables.