About us
Nakaizu Winery
Izu wine now and for the next generation. Here we describe the trajectory of the growth of "Shita Izu Wine".
Growth trajectory
Nakaizu Winery began as a way for its founder, Shita Tsutomu, to "give back to his hometown."
Shita, a wine lover, wondered if he could revitalize the Izu region using his favorite drink, wine.
In 1987, we rented a small 2-are (20m x 10m) field in Mitsuya-shinden, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and began experimental cultivation of wine grape varieties.
In 1989, an experimental farm was opened in the former Shuzenji town (now Kumasaka, Izu City), and repeated trial and error was carried out to find a way to cultivate grapes suitable for Izu.
The Muscat Bailey A, Muller-Thurgau, Yama Sauvignon, and Seibel 13053 grown there were commissioned to be brewed, resulting in the commemorative first wine.
In 1993, the decision was made to build a winery in Shimoshiraiwa, Izu City, where Nakaizu Winery Chateau TS is currently located.
We have also begun trial cultivation of wine grape varieties on this land, marking a major step towards launching our winery business in earnest.
In 1999, we obtained a license to produce fruit wine and began brewing our own wine.
Nakaizu Winery Chateau TS opened in January 2000.
The chateau, which offers a panoramic view of the entire vineyard, is home to not only a winery but also a restaurant, tasting counter, and chapel, making this a winery resort in Izu where you can enjoy every bit of wine.
In 2001, Hotel Winery Hills opened southwest of the vineyards, featuring hot spring facilities, a baseball field, a soccer field, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and more. It has become a comprehensive resort facility, Nakaizu Winery Hills, that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
In recent years, the quality of their wines has improved dramatically, and they have even won awards at numerous wine competitions. ( Click here for a list of their major awards .)
In 2017, the Winery Hills Ranch was added, evolving the facility into an experiential one where you can also enjoy western-style horseback riding through the vast vineyards.
The glamping facility "Nakaizu EAST WINDS VILLAGE" will open in September 2022.
The vineyards have now expanded to 10 hectares (1km x 100m), and the winery has grown into one of the leading wineries in the country, showcasing everything from cultivation to brewing.
We will continue to strive to produce high-quality wines, carry on the founder's vision into the future, and strive to coexist with the Izu region.
Thoughts put into Izu wine
We will deliver wine with a story with the theme of Izu to everyone.
It has been 20 years since our founder, Tsutomu Shida, thought of making wine in his hometown of Izu, and brewed his first wine.
In this region, which was said to be unsuitable for winemaking due to its heavy rainfall and typhoons, we continued to grow step by step through trial and error, and finally we were able to see our vision of winemaking.
Nakaizu Winery staff will work together to create "Izu Wine".
Grapes grown in the "climate of Izu" will be made into wine with "the dignity of Izu" and will be sent from "our Izu".
The farm team carefully cultivates grapes in the "climate of Izu" and carefully picks each bunch by hand.
The brewing team constantly pursues “Izu-ness” and makes wine with “Izu dignity”.
The sales team helps visitors learn about winemaking, proposes wine pairings, creates dishes, disseminates information, and delivers wine from "our Izu" to the mouth of the customer.
Nakaizu Winery will continue to strive to make wine that brings to mind the climate of the Izu region, the people who live there, and the people involved in winemaking every time we drink it.
Finally, we hope that our wines will enrich everyone's lives through wine.
