Nagano
Alpine Wine Country
Japan's diverse alpine terroir across five distinct wine valleys
Japan's Alpine Wine Heritage
Central Japan's Nagano Prefecture combines high altitude, volcanic soils, and alpine climate to create one of Japan's most established wine regions, home to over 80 wineries across five distinct valleys set against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps.
Five Wine Valleys
Alpine Terroir Advantage
Nagano's wine regions benefit from Japan's highest average vineyard elevations, creating ideal conditions for quality wine production. The significant diurnal temperature variations preserve acidity while developing complex flavors.
The prefecture's location in central Japan, surrounded by the Japan Alps, creates a rain shadow effect that results in reduced rainfall during the critical growing season. This natural advantage reduces disease pressure and allows for optimal ripening.
From the granite soils of Kikyogahara producing structured Merlots to the volcanic soils of Yatsugatake lending minerality to whites, each valley offers distinct expressions of both international and indigenous varieties.
Elevation Range
400-900m
Highest in Japan
Growing Season
900mm
Annual rainfall
Sunshine Hours
2,100+
Annual average
Harvest Period
Sep-Nov
Extended ripening