Nagano
長野県 小諸市
May grapes grown on the Mimakigahara plateau become wine,
and ride the wind to reach many people.
“Gio” means “wind” in Vietnamese, and “Gio Hills” means “windy hills.”\n\nGio Hills Winery stands on a small hill on the Mimakigahara plateau in Komoro, Shinshu.\n\nThe winery makes wine with the wish that grapes grown on the Mimakigahara plateau will become wine and, carried by the wind, reach many people.
Mimakigahara is a semi-cool highland at roughly 700 to 800 meters above sea level, formed by uplift from what was once a seabed. Its cool climate produces clear day-night temperature differences that help grapes retain abundant acidity. The plateau is also unusual in Japan for being a tableland completely separated on all sides. Its soils are strongly clay-rich, with widespread loam containing yellow-red clay.\n\nGrapevines here take longer than usual to establish their roots and grow more vigorous with age.\n\nAnnual rainfall is extremely low at about 985 mm, creating favorable conditions for wine-grape cultivation.
A winery and café standing alone on a small hill.\n\nInspired by the form of a greenhouse, the first floor houses the winemaking facility and the second floor is a café with 360-degree glass walls and panoramic views.\n\nGuests can enjoy house-made wine and Vietnamese cuisine while taking in Mt. Asama nearby, the Northern Alps and Yatsugatake in the distance, and even Mt. Fuji far beyond.\n\nTerrace seating is also recommended on clear days.\n\nThe winery can be toured free of charge with a reservation made by the previous day.
A hot spring inn operated by Masaki Tomioka, founder of Gio Hills Winery.\n\nIt is an atmospheric hideaway that retains the charm of the Taisho era.\n\nDay-use bathing and dining are also available.\n\nhttps://nakadanasou.com/
PHOTO — NIHONWINE.JP editorial
SOURCE — NIHONWINE.JP editorial