Sadoya Winery
サドヤワイナリー
Kofu's oldest winery, dry wine pioneer since 1917
Founded in 1917 in Kofu, Yamanashi, Sadoya Winery is Kofu's oldest winery and a founding force in Japan's authentic dry wine movement. Its roots trace back to an Edo-period oil merchant that became a liquor business in 1909 before formally establishing the winery. Located a five-minute walk from JR Kofu Station in a Provence-themed village, Sadoya offers guided tours (paid, reservation required) of its roughly 700-tsubo underground cellar, complete with barrel and bottle storage and exhibits on Japanese winemaking history. The winery grows Koshu alongside Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Semillon, producing around 15 to 20 wines. Its flagship Chateau Brillant, first crafted in 1946 and released in 1950, has won international recognition and is supplied to Japan's Imperial Household Agency.
www.sadoya.co.jp/ ↗Cuvées
No cuvées registered yet.
Who Is This For?
For those drawn to Japan's wine history and Bordeaux-style dry wines, paired with a guided underground cellar experience in a French-village setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can visitors tour Sadoya Winery's underground cellar?
- Yes, guided tours of the roughly 700-tsubo underground cellar are available for a fee (around ¥1,000) with advance reservation.
- What is Sadoya Winery's flagship wine?
- Chateau Brillant, a Bordeaux-inspired dry red first crafted in 1946, is Sadoya's signature wine and is supplied to Japan's Imperial Household Agency.
- What grape varieties does Sadoya grow?
- Alongside Japan's native Koshu grape, Sadoya cultivates Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Semillon.
- How old is Sadoya Winery?
- Founded in 1917 in Kofu, Sadoya is the oldest winery in the city and one of the pioneers of Japan's dry wine movement.