Nanyo City—Home to Akayu Onsen—is Known as “The Wine Town”
Nanyo City in Yamagata Prefecture, especially the Akayu area, is gaining attention from wine enthusiasts across Japan as a “town of wineries.”
Within this small city, six unique wineries are clustered together, each crafting original wines using locally grown grapes.

Why Are There So Many Wineries in Nanyo?

✅ Abundant Natural Environment
Nanyo benefits from the climate of a basin with large temperature differences between day and night, along with well-drained soil.
These conditions are ideal for growing sweet, aromatic grapes.
Varieties well-suited for wine—such as Delaware and Muscat Bailey A—have long been cultivated here.

✅ A Long History of Winemaking
Winemaking in Nanyo dates back to the Meiji era.
Among them, Sakai Winery was founded in 1892 and holds the distinction of being the oldest in the Tohoku region.
Since then, local farmers have continued establishing wineries, nurturing a vibrant wine culture in the community.

What Makes Nanyo Wine So Delicious?

🍷 Blessings of the Land—“Terroir”
Nanyo wines are known for their distinctive mineral quality and fruity character, reflecting the uniqueness of the land.
The dramatic temperature swings between day and night give the wines a concentrated and expressive flavor.

🍷 Craftsmanship and Passion
Each winery operates on a small scale, focusing on meticulous, hands-on winemaking.
Many produce additive-free, unfiltered, and naturally fermented wines—gentle on the body and natural in taste.

🍷 A Diverse Wine Lineup
From red, white, and rosé to sparkling and natural wines, each winery offers a unique expression, allowing wine lovers to explore a wide range of flavors.

History of Nanyo Wine

• 1892 – Sakai Winery founded (the oldest in Tohoku)

• Early Showa Period – Oura Winery, Sudo Winery, and Sato Winery established

• Post-2017 – New-generation wineries like GRAPE REPUBLIC and Yellow Magic Winery emerge

• Today – The “Nanyo Winery Route” is a popular destination for visitors

Characteristics of Nanyo Wines

• Fresh and fruity (light styles mainly using Delaware and Muscat Bailey A)

• Natural and additive-free (Sakai Winery, GRAPE REPUBLIC, etc.)

• Sparkling wines (such as those from Sato Winery)

• Easy-drinking with rich fruit flavors (Oura Winery, etc.)

• Terroir-driven natural wines (GRAPE REPUBLIC, Yellow Magic Winery, etc.)

Each winery has its own personality, making it fun to find one that suits your taste.

Recommended Ways to Enjoy—A Winery Tour in Nanyo

🚶‍♀️ All Six Wineries Are Within Walking Distance
In the Akayu area of Nanyo City, the wineries are conveniently clustered together.
You can easily visit them on foot or by a short taxi ride.

🍷 Tasting Experiences at Each Winery
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss out on tastings.
You might even discover wines available only at the winery’s shop.

🏞 Pair It With a Relaxing Stay in Akayu Onsen
After touring the wineries, unwind with a stay in Akayu’s hot springs.
It’s a luxurious journey of wine and wellness.

🍇 Seasonal Events Throughout the Year
During the autumn harvest season, grape picking experiences and special events are held.

At our inn, from August to mid-October, we offer a hands-on “Make Your Own Wine” experience using freshly harvested grapes and traditional methods (fee required).
The wine is then aged at the winery and delivered to you once complete—a truly one-of-a-kind flavor crafted just for you.

Nanyo Wine—A Glass Filled With Land, People, and History
Nanyo wine is a product of the region’s fertile land, the passion of grape farmers, and the craftsmanship of dedicated winemakers.

After a peaceful soak in the hot springs of Akayu, why not find your favorite bottle of wine to take home?