A History of Growth: Nakaizu Winery

A History of Growth: Nakaizu Winery

Tsutomu Shita, the founder of Nakaizu Winery, started his journey with a simple desire: to give back to his local community.
As a passionate wine lover, he wondered if he could revitalize the Izu region through the production of wine.

In 1987, he began by cultivating experimental plots of wine grapes on a small 2-are (20m x 10m) piece of land in Mitsuyatanishinada,
Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

By 1989, he had established a test farm in the former Shuzenji-machi (now Kumasaka, Izu City) and began trial and error to cultivate
grapes suitable for Izu. Muscat Bailey A, Müller-Thurgau, Yama Sauvignon, and Seybel 13053 cultivated there were entrusted 
for winemaking, resulting in the first-ever commemorative wine.

In 1993, the decision was made to build a winery in Shimo Shiraiwa, Izu City, the current location of Nakaizu Winery Chateau T.S.
Experimental cultivation of wine grape varieties also began in this land, marking a significant step toward the full-scale launch of the winery business.

In 1999, the winery obtained a fruit liquor manufacturing license and began producing its own wine.

In January 2000, "Nakaizu Winery Chateau T.S." opened its doors. The chateau, which offers a panoramic view of the vineyards,
features a wine production facility, a restaurant, a tasting counter, and a chapel, creating a winery resort in Izu where wine can be fully enjoyed.

In 2001, "Hotel Winery Hill" opened to the south-west of the vineyard, equipped with hot spring facilities, a baseball field,
a soccer field, tennis courts, and a pool, transforming the complex into a comprehensive resort facility called "Nakaizu Winery Hills"
that caters to people of all ages.