Up-and-coming winery with their own vineyard estate
Photo by Davide Bitti
Photo by Akiu Winery
Japan's recent boom in domestic wine production is little known outside of the archipelago. One of the industry's most-promising up-and-comers is Akiu Winery, located in the quiet hills of Akiu just thirty minutes from central Sendai. Established in 2015, the winery produces a variety of wines using Merlot, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris grapes all cultivated in the estate's vineyards. The offerings are varied—not only red and white wines, but also rosés, sparkling wines, and even apple cider.
“We started this winery to support the agricultural products of Miyagi Prefecture," says Mr. Mohri, one of the entrepreneurs who founded the winery. "We want to promote Miyagi products by attracting more people to the area through wine tourism.” As a two-time visitor to the winery, I can attest they are on the right path.
Mr. Mohri explains that interest in domestically-produced wine is going strong here in the Land of the Rising Sun: “Professionals are going to Europe to study wine production so we can use those same methods in our country. Recently, Japanese wines have begun to win awards in European competitions.”
Let’s take a look at the Akiu Winery and what it has to offer.
The winery building has a fresh and modern look, with the extensive use of wood interiors lending it a rustic warmth. In the main building, customers can browse their inventory and take part in a tasting. Large windows look out onto the expansive vineyards. Outside, there is a patio area and barbeque equipment, a pleasant spot to enjoy an al fresco lunch with friends.
It is possible to sample every single variety of wine that Akiu Winery makes. Prices for most are ¥200 for a small glass and ¥400 for a large one. Limited-edition wines are ¥350 and ¥700, respectively.
To accompany the wine, platters of otsumami appetizers are available for ¥500. The otsumami include an assortment of local cheeses and meats; I highly recommend the red-wine-seasoned bacon. There are also soft drinks, juices, coffee and soft-serve ice cream available, making a visit to this winery enjoyable for the whole family, even the young ones.
If you like what you've tasted you can buy bottles directly from the on-site shop. Along with wines produced in the winery, the shop also sells local food products from all over Miyagi Prefecture—a good opportunity to bring a piece of this incredible area home.
From Sendai Station by city bus: About 50 minutes. At Sendai Station West Exit Bus Pool 8 (仙台駅西口バスプール８番のりば), board Akiu Line (秋保線) bus bound for Akiu Onsen (秋保温泉). Alight at Nozokibashi (のぞき橋) or Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター) bus stop. Akiu Winery is nearest the Nozokibashi bus stop. From the Akiu Sato Center bus stop, the winery is a 3-minute walk. Abridged timetable here. (The Nozokibashi bus stop isn't listed on the abridged timetable, but it's one stop before Akiu Sato Center.)
From Sendai Station by Seibu Liner bus: 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a 3-minute walk. From Sendai Station Bus Stop 63 (仙台駅63番のりば), board Akiu・Kawasaki Sendai Seibu Liner (秋保・川崎 仙台西部ライナー) bus bound for Kawasaki-machi (かわさきまち). Alight at Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター) bus stop. Timetable here.
From Ayashi Station: 15 minutes by bus, followed by a 3-minute walk. From Ayashi Station Bus Platform 2 (愛子駅２番乗り場), board a #83, 84, 85, 86, or 87 Akiu Homen Line (秋保方面線) bus bound for Uenohara (上ノ原), Nojiri (野尻町北) or Futakuchi (二口). Alight at Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター) bus stop. timetable here.
