Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Tomi, Nagano, Domaine Nakajima stands out as a winery that is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, craftsmanship, and local traditions, producing wines that reflect both the land and the artisan behind them.

One of the most intriguing offerings from Domaine Nakajima is its unique petillant rose, crafted from the Kyoho grape—a table grape variant known for its large berries. This wine undergoes a meticulous process: after harvesting, the grapes are dried for almost two weeks before being pressed without skin contact. Fermented in the bottle, this sparkling wine has no added sulphur or other ingredients, embracing a pure and natural style that resonates with connoisseurs.

Yutaka Nakajima embodies the essence of a dedicated Japanese winemaker—humble, intelligent, and deeply connected to his craft. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes hands-on techniques, utilizing self-made wooden tools to create hard-to-reach wines. Nakajima’s commitment to nurturing his vineyards means working with nature rather than forcing it, resulting in wines that are true reflections of their environment.

Since his move to Tomi in 2009, Nakajima has cultivated a small slope at an altitude of 850 meters, growing primarily French grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot amid the region’s native flora. Inspired by the cooler climate reminiscent of European vineyards, he further expanded in 2019 by introducing Jura-inspired varietals, including Savagnin and Pinot Noir. Each year, Domaine Nakajima produces only a few thousand bottles.