Suntory Tominooka Winery
An internationally-renowned winery thriving on mineral-rich Mt. Fuji soil
The Suntory Tominooka Winery, located on the beautiful hill of the same name, is a renowned winery that boasts spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. The area is known for its high-quality produce, and the winery itself has gained international recognition for its exceptional wines. In fact, Suntory Tominooka Winery was the first Japanese winery to win a gold medal at France’s Les Citadelles du Vin in 2003.
The vineyard at Suntory Tominooka Winery cultivates a variety of grapes, including merlot, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and koshu. These grapes are carefully grown on the mineral-rich soil of Mt. Fuji, which provides the perfect environment for producing exceptional wines. The winery takes great pride in its grapes and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The history of winemaking in japan can be traced back to 1874, and the Tominooka Winery has been producing grapes for over a century. Originally established in 1909 by a railroad councilor named Shinsuke Koyama, the winery has a long and storied history. In 1936, management of the winery was taken over by Suntory, a renowned beverage company in Japan. Since then, Suntory has continued to uphold the winery’s commitment to excellence.
In addition to its operations in Japan, Suntory has also expanded its winemaking ventures globally. In 1983, the company acquired the management rights to the prestigious Château Lagrange winery in Bordeaux, France. This acquisition allowed Suntory to further hone its winemaking skills and learn from the best in the industry. In 1988, Suntory expanded its presence in Europe by adding Weingut Robert Weil in Rheingau, Germany to its portfolio. These international collaborations have helped Suntory establish itself as a leader in the global wine industry.
Visitors to the Suntory Tominooka Winery are invited to take a guided tour of the premises. During the tour, guests can explore the rolling hills of grapevines and learn about the unique characteristics of different grape varieties. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the winemaking process and explain how different types of grapes thrive in specific environments. Some tours even include wine tastings, allowing visitors to sample the winery’s exquisite creations. The tasting room offers a stunning view of Mt. Fuji, creating a truly immersive wine-tasting experience.
The Tominooka Winery is spread out over a large mountain and the foothills surrounding it. Each area of the vineyard is carefully tended to by dedicated experts or vintners under the supervision of the chief winemaker. The chief winemaker visits the vineyard on a daily basis to closely monitor the progress of the grapes. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each grape variety receives the care it needs to reach its full potential.
One of the highlights of visiting the Tominooka Winery is the opportunity to taste the Tominooka Series wines. These wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in the vineyard and are a true representation of the winery’s craftsmanship. The Tominooka Series wines are known for their exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles. In addition to the Tominooka Series, the winery also offers the Japan Premium Series, which features wines made exclusively from domestic grapes. These wines showcase the diversity and excellence of Japanese winemaking.
To reach the Suntory Tominooka Winery, visitors can either drive or take a train. By car, the winery is a 10-minute drive from the Futaba-Smart Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. For those traveling by train, the closest station is Ryuo Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. From Ryuo Station, it is a 15-minute taxi ride to the winery. The convenient location makes it easy for wine enthusiasts and tourists to visit and experience the beauty of the winery.
In conclusion, the Suntory Tominooka Winery is a world-class winery that thrives on the mineral-rich soil of Mt. Fuji. With its stunning views, exceptional wines, and commitment to quality, the winery has gained international recognition. Visitors to the winery can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and the opportunity to learn about the art of winemaking. The Tominooka Series wines, made exclusively from grapes grown on the vineyard, are a testament to the winery’s dedication to craftsmanship. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty of Mt. Fuji, a visit to the Suntory Tominooka Winery is a must.
Address And Maps Location:
Onuta, Kai-shi, Yamanashi-ken
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