Located at 800 meters elevation on Mount Komagatake's slopes in the Central Alps, surrounded by pristine water and nature, Mars Shinshu Distillery was established in 1985 as a whisky distillery and has gained attention as a winery focusing on Yama Sauvignon cultivation and wine production. Miyada Village traditionally centered on apple orchards and rice farming, but due to aging farmers and succession challenges, the early 1990s saw a shift toward branding as the "Home of Mountain Grapes" with Yama Sauvignon—a hybrid of native Japanese Yama grape and Cabernet Sauvignon—taking center stage. This variety suits Japan's climate with greater pest resistance and more stable yields than European varieties. Collaborating with dedicated local growers, the distillery began winemaking in 2000, achieving Nagano Prefecture appellation certification for "Shinshu Komagahara Yama Sauvignon" by 2003. This flagship wine, produced from grapes grown in well-drained alluvial fan soils, offers Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics balanced with the wild, nostalgic character unique to Yama grapes. The winery also experiments with diverse styles, including "Shinshu Azumidaira Sur Lie" white wine made from Ryugan grapes, while visitors can enjoy tastings and purchase wines, whisky, and spirits at this comprehensive destination.
Where to Buy
Store locations coming soon
We're working to map out where you can purchase Mars Shinshu Distillery wines. In the meantime, contact the winery directly for purchasing options.