信濃ワイン

Shiojiri lies at the southern end of the Matsumoto Basin at an elevation of about 700 meters, surrounded by the Alps to the west and highlands such as Utsukushigahara and Takabocchi to the east. Rainfall is low throughout the year, southerly winds are strong, and the climate is comparatively dry and low in humidity—favorable conditions for wine grapes. Winters can be severe, with temperatures sometimes falling below -10°C, another defining feature of Shiojiri.

Niagara and Concord have been cultivated here since the severe winters of the Meiji era and remain important varieties deeply tied to our roots and homeland. Well suited to this land, they continue to be popular as highly aromatic wines and refined grape juices.

As global warming gradually reduced the number of days below -10°C, premium European varieties such as Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon became better able to survive the winter and their cultivation expanded. Merlot has earned high acclaim through numerous awards in competitions in Japan and abroad, and Shiojiri is now recognized internationally as an outstanding Merlot-growing region.

Shiojiri is home to growers who cultivate grapes with pride, curiosity and a strong spirit of research. Great grapes exist because there are people committed to growing them well.