Goichi Wine Shiojiri

Goichi Wine stands as Nagano's oldest winery, established in 1911 when founder Goichi Hayashi began planting vines on undeveloped land in the Kikyogahara area of Shiojiri. Wine production commenced in 1919, marking over a century of continuous winemaking tradition. The winery holds particular significance as the first to introduce Merlot grapes to the region in the 1950s, pioneering cultivation of this variety in what has become one of Japan's premier wine-producing areas.

Located in the Kikyogahara Wine Valley, Goichi Wine operates from the volcanic soils and high-altitude climate that characterize Shiojiri's wine country. The region's dramatic temperature variations between day and night create ideal conditions for grape cultivation, contributing to the depth and consistency that defines Goichi wines. The winery manages both its own vineyards and works with contracted growers throughout the area, maintaining quality control across its production.

Visitors can explore the on-site wine shop featuring ten different wines available for tasting, displayed in three glass refrigerators for optimal preservation. The tasting experience is notably relaxed, allowing guests to sample multiple varieties without pressure to purchase. The wine selection spans from daily drinking wines to premium bottles, including their renowned Merlot, Chardonnay, and Ryugan, a local grape variety that pairs exceptionally well with traditional Japanese dishes such as soba noodles and wild vegetables. For non-drinkers, the winery produces grape juice that mirrors the sweet, complex flavors of their wines. Winery tours are available upon request, providing insight into the production process and vineyard operations.

The winery is located at 1298-170 Soga, Shiojiri City in Nagano Prefecture. Shiojiri is accessible from Matsumoto Station in 10 minutes by JR limited express or 18 minutes by regular train. From Tokyo, take the limited express Azusa from Shinjuku Station for a 2.5-hour journey. The wine shop operates from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and closes only from December 31 to January 3, while the main winery observes additional closures on weekends and national holidays. Free admission applies to the shop and tasting area, with wine tours available by arrangement. The facility is easily identifiable by its rustic, mountain lodge-style exterior design.