Takahata Winery, located in Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture, is the largest winery in the Tohoku region, known for producing high-quality wines using grapes grown in Yamagata Prefecture.
Its quality is widely recognized nationwide, having received the highest rating of five stars at the 2025 Japan Winery Awards.

But did you know that Takahata Winery actually has many features that can be enjoyed even by those who don’t drink wine?
With a wide selection of tasting corners, limited edition wines, and even juice tasting corners, it’s a great place for families or a rest stop during a drive.

This time, we’ll be introducing in detail the charms of Takahata Winery that we experienced after visiting it!

[The largest winery in Tohoku!] What is Takahata Winery?

Takahata Winery is a popular winery representing Yamagata, founded in 1990 in Takahata Town, a town with a rich history of grape cultivation.
Using high-quality grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Delaware, the winery works with contracted farmers to carefully cultivate grapes using reduced pesticides and organic fertilizer.

Their skills are recognized worldwide, having won numerous awards at the world-famous wine competitions IWSC and IWC. They are also one of the few wineries in Japan to receive the highest rating of five stars at the 2025 Japan Winery Awards.
The facility features a glass-enclosed line where you can observe part of the manufacturing process, as well as a shop called “Gozzonare Takahata” where you can enjoy free tastings.
The facility is also packed with local sweets that go perfectly with wine and tasting experiences, and the changing seasonal scenery allures visitors.

Fall in love with every sip! Introducing Takahata Winery’s commitment to wine

Takahata Winery’s appeal lies in its grapes grown in the lush natural environment and its dedication to meticulous winemaking.
Here, we’ll introduce you to Takahata Winery’s commitment to winemaking.

A deep love for locally grown grapes

What Takahata Winery values most is “making the most of the flavor of the land.”

All of the grapes used are produced in Yamagata Prefecture, with the majority grown in Takahata Town.

The optimal vineyards are selected for each variety, including Chardonnay, Muscat Bailey A, and Merlot.

This region, with its large temperature difference between day and night, is the perfect environment for growing grapes that have a concentrated fruit flavor.

Craftsmanship in Winemaking Techniques

The quality of wine isn’t determined by the grapes alone.
At Takahata Winery, we combine state-of-the-art equipment with expert techniques to bring out the best in the grapes.
From meticulous control of fermentation temperature and yeast selection to barrel aging, the meticulous attention to detail of our artisans shines through in every step of the process.

A diverse lineup to suit every wine drinker

Takahata Winery is known for its wide lineup, from fruity wines that are easy for beginners to enjoy, to authentic wines that will satisfy even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
In addition to high-quality wines that have won wine competitions, they also have easy-to-drink fruity sparkling wines, making you want to try a variety of them.

You can also purchase grape juice made from wine grapes, which is sure to please those who don’t drink alcohol and children.

[Recommended for families!] Introducing Takahata Winery’s sightseeing and tasting spots

Takahata Winery is a spot that can be enjoyed not only by wine lovers, but also by those who are not knowledgeable about wine or who can’t drink alcohol.
Located in an open area surrounded by vineyards, it offers tours, tastings, a cafe, and events, making it feel like a theme park with plenty to enjoy!
Here we introduce the highlights and attractions that you should definitely experience when visiting Takahata Winery!

[A unique experience at a winery!] A tour of the winemaking process

Takahata Winery offers a tour that lets you see the wine-making process in action.
Even wine novices will enjoy this tour, as you can peer inside the facilities and get a real understanding of how grapes become wine.

We especially recommend the underground storage cellar. The rows of wine barrels lined up in the silent space will make you feel like you’ve wandered into another world.

[Fun tasting comparisons!] A tasting experience that wine lovers will love

The appeal of Takahata Winery is its well-equipped tasting corner.
Many of the wines, from standard to limited edition, are available for free tasting.

There is a fee for tasting high-end wines, but the great thing about this place is that you can easily compare different types of wine, such as sweet, dry, and sparkling, and find your favorite.
There is also grape juice tasting, so even those who can’t drink alcohol and children can enjoy it.

[Limited Edition Products and Sweets Available] Winery Shop & Snack Cafe

At the winery shop, you can find not only wine produced at Takahata Winery, but also plenty of souvenirs such as sweets and jams made with wine.
There are also products that are only available here, making them perfect as souvenirs or gifts.

Additionally, at the attached cafe, Gozzonare Takahata, you can enjoy light meals such as freshly baked pizza and cheese along with a glass of wine.

There’s also a soft serve ice cream corner outside. When I visited, they were selling “Lady Soft Serve,” made with Takahata Winery’s popular wine, “Lady Mahoroba”!
The soft serve ice cream is only available from April to November, so if you’d like to try it, be sure to check the period before you go.

[Nighttime harvesting experience?] Introducing the various experiential events at Takahata Winery!

Takahata Winery also hosts valuable hands-on events that allow you to get a glimpse into winemaking.
Here we introduce the various hands-on events.

Pinot Noir Harvesting Experience

Around September, we offer a grape harvesting experience at our own vineyards. You can actually pick Pinot Noir grapes by hand.
After the harvest, there’s a break with snacks and drinks, making this an event that’s easy for anyone to participate in. (Advance reservations required, limited seating available.)

Night Harvest Experience

Even more unusual is the “Night Harvest” experience, where you can harvest at night.
This is a process unique to Takahata Winery, which is particular about the freshness of its winemaking, and harvesting in the middle of the night with the lights on is a truly magical experience.

This is also a popular annual event that requires advance registration.
Event information is posted on the website, so we recommend checking it out before your visit!

Takahata Winery Exclusive Wines!

Takahata Winery sells a variety of wines exclusively at its shop.
Here, we’ll introduce a few of their selections.

[Gift Set of Two Bottles of Red and Blue Oni no Shizuku: ¥4,300 (tax included)]
This wine is inspired by “The Crying Red Oni,” a masterpiece by children’s story writer Hirosuke Hamada, a native of Takahata Town. It comes in two sweet varieties: red and white.
The striking label design features an oni shedding gentle tears.

[2021 Takahata Winery Limited Edition Red (750ml) ¥2,800 (tax included)]
This wine offers rich fruit aromas of cassis and plum, with the soft aromas of vanilla and toast that only barrel-aging can provide.
The soft palate reveals the natural sweetness of the fruit and lively acidity, with firm tannins tightening the overall flavor.

[Winery Shop Exclusive Rosé Juice [Merlot] (720ml) ¥1,680 (tax included)]
This 100% pure grape juice is made from generously squeezed Merlot grapes, a grape variety used exclusively for wine in Yamagata Prefecture.
The rich sweetness and full-bodied flavor of the grapes, with just the right amount of acidity, balanced to create a taste that’s almost like biting into a real fruit.
We recommend drinking it well chilled.

How to get to Takahata Winery? Directions by train and car

Takahata Winery is located in a residential area in Takahata Town, Higashiokitama District, Yamagata Prefecture. The spacious winery appears once you pass through a quiet residential area.

It’s easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from JR Takahata Station, or a 10-minute drive from Nanyo Takahata IC or Yonezawa Kita IC. Free parking is available.

Approximately 10 minutes walk from JR Takahata Station
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Nanyo Takahata IC or Yonezawa Kita IC

[Bonus] Takahata Winery is also featured in the popular manga “Kami no Shizuku”!

Did you know that Takahata Winery is featured in the popular manga “Kami no Shizuku,” which dramatically depicts the depth and appeal of wine?

Volume 39 of Kami no Shizuku depicts a scene from the night harvest at Takahata Winery.
There’s also a scene where the main characters sample Takahata Winery’s brands, such as Takahata Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Night Harvest and Takahata Barrique Premium Rosé Oak Barrel Aged.
The real-life winery and winemaker, Mr. Kawabe, also make appearances, making this manga a truly realistic winery experience!

This might be a “pilgrimage” spot for fans of “Kami no Shizuku.”

Summary

Takahata Winery is a place that’s been carefully designed to be enjoyable not only for wine lovers, but also for those who don’t drink wine and families.
You can enjoy tasting famous brands, limited edition wines that can only be purchased here, and rich grape juice. The well-stocked souvenir and food corners are also appealing!
Depending on the season, rare experience events are also held, so be sure to stop by when you visit Takahata Town!