Takeda Winery
タケダワイナリー
Japan's pioneer of estate Bordeaux varieties — producing Château Takeda since 1990
Takeda Winery, founded in 1920 in Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of Japan's most pioneering estate wineries. Located on sun-drenched, southeast-facing slopes at the base of the Zao Mountain Range, the winery cultivates 15 hectares of vineyards divided into 26 distinct sections. The pivotal transformation of the winery came under third-generation owner Shigenobu Takeda, who was so inspired by Château Margaux that he dedicated himself to cultivating Bordeaux varieties in Japan. Despite a devastating fire in 1974, the winery was reborn with renewed purpose and eventually created the acclaimed 'Château Takeda' label in 1990. Natural farming practices — minimal pesticides, zero chemical fertilizers, and wild yeast fermentation — define the house style.
www.takeda-wine.jp ↗Cuvées
シャトー・タケダ カベルネ・ソーヴィニョン
Château Takeda Cabernet Sauvignon
RedCabernet Sauvignon · Merlot
Château Takeda Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship red wine of Takeda Winery, born in 1990 from the estate's southeast-facing vineyards in Kaminoyama, Yamagata. Blended from 80% estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot — all hand-harvested — this wine is produced only in years of exceptional grape quality. Fermented with wild yeasts, it is aged for one year in 228-liter French oak barrels (30% new) with minimal sulfite additions, yielding a deeply concentrated red with blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy complexity. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, the finish persistent — rivaling Bordeaux benchmarks at a fraction of the price.
ドメイヌ・タケダ ベリーA古木
Domaine Takeda Berry A Old Vines
RedMuscat Bailey A
This exceptional red wine is crafted exclusively from Muscat Bailey A grapes harvested from the winery's own estate, featuring rare vines aged over 70 to 80 years. Unlike typical expressions of this variety, it avoids candy-like notes, offering instead a sophisticated profile of raspberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by subtle hints of spice, cedar, and cocoa from barrel aging. It is a testament to the potential of Japanese viticulture, showcasing a refined structure with vibrant acidity and silky tannins that provide both elegance and excellent aging potential.
ドメイヌ・タケダ キュヴェ・ヨシコ
Domaine Takeda Cuvée Yoshiko
SparklingChardonnay
Domaine Takeda Cuvée Yoshiko is a prestigious Japanese sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional Champagne method. Made from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay, this wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle and is aged on the lees for three years. It is a non-dosage (zero-dosage) sparkling wine, resulting in an exceptionally dry, elegant, and refined profile. Named after the wife of the fourth-generation owner, it represents the pinnacle of Takeda Winery's commitment to quality and is widely considered a benchmark for Japanese sparkling wine.
Who Is This For?
For lovers of structured, terroir-driven Japanese red wine who want to experience world-class Cabernet Sauvignon produced on Japanese soil
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Takeda Winery founded?
- Takeda Winery traces its origins to 1920 as the Takeda Food Factory in Kaminoyama, Yamagata. After a fire in 1974, it was reborn as a dedicated estate winery, launching the Château Takeda label in 1990.
- What makes Takeda Winery's farming approach special?
- Takeda Winery practices natural farming across 15 hectares of estate vineyards — no chemical fertilizers, minimal pesticides, and wild yeast fermentation — producing wines that authentically reflect Yamagata's terroir.
- Is Takeda Winery open for visits?
- Yes. Takeda Winery is located at 2-6-1 Yotsuya, Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture, and welcomes visitors to experience their winery and wines firsthand.
- What grape varieties does Takeda Winery grow?
- Takeda Winery focuses on Bordeaux varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds, and Chardonnay for whites, all grown on their 15-hectare estate.