Suntory Shiojiri Winery
サントリー塩尻ワイナリー
1936-founded pioneer of Kikyogahara's world-class Merlot
Founded in 1936 in Shiojiri, Nagano, Suntory Shiojiri Winery is one of Japan's oldest and most influential wineries. Originally built to supply base wine for the pioneering Akadama Sweet Wine, it now focuses on quality still wines grown by dedicated local farmers in the volcanic soils of Kikyogahara and neighboring Iwadarehara. The winery is best known for establishing Merlot as a signature variety of the region: its 1985-vintage Kikyogahara Merlot won a Grand Gold Medal at the Ljubljana International Wine Competition, and subsequent vintages have continued to earn honors at the Japan Wine Competition, Sakura Awards, and International Wine & Spirit Competition. The winery is not normally open to public tours but participates in local events such as the Shiojiri Winery Festival.
www.suntory.co.jp/wine/nihon/wine-cellar/shiojiri.html ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for those seeking Japan's benchmark Merlot from a historic, terroir-driven producer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Suntory Shiojiri Winery best known for?
- It is best known for pioneering high-quality Merlot in Kikyogahara, Nagano — its 1985 Kikyogahara Merlot won a Grand Gold Medal at the Ljubljana International Wine Competition, establishing the region's reputation.
- When was Suntory Shiojiri Winery founded?
- The winery was founded in 1936 in Shiojiri, Nagano, originally to supply base wine for Suntory's Akadama Sweet Wine before shifting focus to quality still wines.
- Can visitors tour Suntory Shiojiri Winery?
- The winery is not normally open for public tours, but it participates in special openings during local events such as the Shiojiri Winery Festival.
- What grape varieties does the winery focus on?
- Merlot is the signature variety, grown in the volcanic soils of Kikyogahara and Iwadarehara; Muscat Bailey A is also an important variety for the winery.