Takayashiro Farm & Winery
たかやしろファーム＆ワイナリー
Nagano farmers crafting honest, affordable terroir wines.
Founded by a group of local farming families in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, Takayashiro Farm & Winery grew out of an existing fruit-growing operation — apples, table grapes, and peaches — before planting its first wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, in 1998. Today the estate farms roughly 6 hectares on the cool, elevated slopes of Mt. Takayashiro (around 400m), growing more than a dozen varieties including Chardonnay, Kerner, Riesling, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Zweigelt. Led by president Ko Takehada — a former Suntory sales employee turned grower — the winery produces around 20 different wines and 35,000 bottles a year, alongside cider, apple juice, and jam, and prices many of its wines affordably (from around ¥1,500) to keep them within reach of the local community it was built to serve.
www.takayashirofarm.jp/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who want an authentic taste of Nagano's Chikuma Valley terroir at everyday, farmhouse-friendly prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Takayashiro Farm & Winery founded?
- Local farming families in Nakano City began growing fruit in 1995 and planted their first wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, in 1998, later formalizing the winery as a joint venture among neighboring farms.
- What grape varieties does Takayashiro Farm grow?
- The estate cultivates more than a dozen varieties on roughly 6 hectares, including Chardonnay, Kerner, Riesling, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Zweigelt.
- What makes Takayashiro Farm's approach distinctive?
- As farmers first and winemakers second, the team prioritizes matching each variety to its plot's soil and climate, and keeps most bottles priced around ¥1,500 so wine remains part of everyday local life rather than a luxury.
- Does Takayashiro Farm make anything besides wine?
- Yes — alongside roughly 20 different wines and 35,000 bottles a year, the farm also produces cider, apple juice, and jam.
- Can visitors tour the winery?
- Yes, free tastings and reservation-based facility tours are offered on weekdays and Saturdays (closed Sundays and holidays), though tours pause during the wine and juice production season.