Kinorika Vineyards & Winery was established in Nagano Prefecture with the goal of producing wines that can compete on the world stage, including distinctive Japanese Pinot Noir.
The winery was founded by Minoru Numata, whose career has revolved around wine—from working at a wine importing company and training as a winemaker overseas to serving as a sommelier and a judge at wine competitions.
Numata’s wines have received strong acclaim. The winery also drew attention when wines from only its second vintage won both Gold and Bronze medals at the Japan Wine Competition 2026.
On Friday, September 25, 2026, NBS Nagano Broadcasting will air a documentary following Kinorika Vineyards & Winery.
The program is said to offer an unvarnished look at Numata’s real-world winemaking, making it a must-watch for Japanese wine fans.
About the Program
The documentary following the winemaking at Kinorika Vineyards & Winery is part of “NBS Focus ∞ Shinshu,” produced and broadcast by Nagano Broadcasting Systems (NBS).
The 60-minute program focuses on one theme in each episode and explores it in depth. Its coverage ranges from documentaries about people, the economy, culture, history, education, and current affairs connected with Nagano Prefecture to heartwarming local stories and travel information about hot springs and food.
This episode of “NBS Focus ∞ Shinshu” follows Kinorika Vineyards & Winery and one other winery.
Under the theme “Shinshu Wine Fudoki — A Year with Two Winemakers,” the program is said to portray the realities of winemaking.
An In-Depth Look at Numata’s Winemaking and Character
Kinorika Vineyards & Winery is located in the Ono Basin at an elevation of more than 800 meters. Numata selected the site based on a scientific assessment of factors such as soil composition, judging it ideal for cultivating world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties.
The winery is also known for approaches not commonly seen elsewhere, including carefully selected Pinot Noir clones, sunflower cultivation, and horse-drawn farming.
Numata, the representative of Kinorika Vineyards & Winery, commented on social media about the documentary.
According to his post, the crew filmed not only the enjoyable and beautiful sides of grape growing and winemaking, but also the many challenges he faces.
The documentary also reportedly records aspects of his private life.
Numata himself apparently has not been told exactly what will be included in the final broadcast, but the program may offer a rare glimpse of a winemaker’s convictions, joys, hardships, and personality.
A Program for More Than Just Japanese Wine Fans
Commenting on the broadcast, Numata said he hopes it will be watched not only by Japanese wine enthusiasts, but also by people interested in grape cultivation and winemaking, and by those considering how to shape the next stage of their lives.
He also wrote on social media that the long-term footage of Shinshu vineyards and their surrounding landscapes should resonate with people who enjoy travel or love Nagano’s natural scenery.
NBS Nagano Broadcasting’s “NBS Focus ∞ Shinshu: Shinshu Wine Fudoki — A Year with Two Winemakers” will air from 19:00 to 20:00 on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Viewers outside Nagano Prefecture can watch it nationwide on the streaming service TVer from 20:00 after the terrestrial broadcast. The program will be available for seven days.
It is a chance to see the real-world winemaking of Numata as he works day after day toward producing wines that can stand alongside the best in the world.
Consider tuning in.
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