Yamagata Prefecture is a major wine-producing region, ranking fourth in the number of wineries and wine production volume after Yamanashi, Nagano, and Hokkaido.
Even within Yamagata Prefecture, climate conditions and soil composition, in other words terroir, differ depending on the grape-growing area, so choosing wines from different areas within the prefecture is part of the enjoyment.
This time, the winery that “CRAFT WINE SHOP” would like to recommend is Woody Farm & Winery, located in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture.
What kind of taste does wine born from the terroir of “Kaminoyama” offer?
Please use this as a reference when choosing Japanese wines.
About Woody Farm & Winery
Woody Farm & Winery is a winery located in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a thriving fruit-growing region, known not only for table grapes but also for wine grape cultivation.
The city is designated as the “Kaminoyama Wine Special Zone,” with many wineries scattered throughout.
At the “Yamagata Wine Bar 2025” held in the city in May 2025, many wine fans gathered, making it no exaggeration to call this area one of Yamagata Prefecture’s premier wine-producing regions.
Woody Farm & Winery grows grapes in their own vineyards in Kaminoyama City and makes wine from those grapes in a “domaine” style.
Let’s introduce the features of this winery below.
A winery with two faces
Woody Farm & Winery is known as a winery with two faces.
First, it is a domaine-style winery.
This winery has been cultivating dedicated wine grape varieties since around 1975, and since the winery’s inception, all grapes used have been grown exclusively in their own vineyards in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Many wineries produce wine from grapes harvested in their own vineyards, but few produce all their grapes exclusively from their own vineyards (not buying grapes).
Their second identity is as an orchard dedicated to cultivating high-quality fruits.
Using traditional Yamagata cultivation techniques and their unique trellis training, they produce high-quality fruits centered on cherries and La France pears.
Therefore, Woody Farm & Winery is popular not only for wines made from grapes but also for items like large, high-quality cherries and La France pear juices.
Commitment to dedicated wine grape varieties
Woody Farm & Winery is a winery committed to dedicated wine grape varieties.
Dedicated wine grape varieties are European grapes called Vitis vinifera, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—grape varieties specifically for winemaking.
The current Woody Farm & Winery was born in 1977.
It all started when Mr. Yoshio Kimura, the current president’s father, began contract cultivation of dedicated wine grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a major wine manufacturer.
After producing jams, fruit sauces, and dried fruits, they began expanding their dedicated wine grape vineyards in 2007 and launched their winery business in 2011.
Mr. Yoshio Kimura had long sympathized with Mr. Takeda of Takeda Winery in the same city regarding his passion for winemaking, and he dreamed of having his own winery someday.
Amid this, he strongly wished to create wines using dedicated wine grape varieties that could rival those of Europe, and even now, he says no domestic varieties are planted in their own vineyards. (Main varieties include Petit Manseng, Albariño, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.)
They obtained a fruit wine brewing license in 2013 and released their first wine in 2014. (By the way, Mr. Yoshio Kimura was active until the age of 93!)
High-quality wine grape varieties thrive thanks to the terroir of Kaminoyama City.
Although still said to be difficult to cultivate in Japan, the wine grape varieties dedicated to winemaking produce wines of quality that surpass the world at Woody Farm & Winery.
First, their vineyards are scattered at elevations up to 300 meters, which helps avoid frost damage.
Additionally, they strictly limit yields to increase grape sugar content and improve quality.
They own not only black volcanic ash soil but also red soil vineyards ideal for wine-specific grape varieties, which improves the quality of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Also, Woody Farm & Winery does not use chemical fertilizers or herbicides in any of its vineyards.
It is precisely because of the efforts to fully enjoy the blessings of Kaminoyama’s terroir that Woody Farm & Winery’s wines are so captivating.
Pure winemaking
Woody Farm & Winery is committed to pure winemaking that brings out the grapes’ natural potential.
Many Japanese wineries perform sugar or acid adjustments because the sugar and acid levels of raw grapes tend to be low.
Since its founding, Woody Farm & Winery has not practiced sugar or acid adjustments or other human controls over the wine.
Furthermore, except for wines with residual sugar, they finish unfiltered to preserve the wine’s original charm.
All raw materials at this winery are 100% grapes grown in-house, carefully assessing the individuality of each vintage, grape variety, and ripeness level to tailor the winemaking accordingly.
Woody Farm & Winery aims to "create wines rich in subtlety."
It is a rare winery that directly reflects the taste of the grape-growing region of Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, in its wines.
About Woody Farm & Winery
At "CRAFT WINE SHOP," we offer Woody Farm & Winery wines that Japanese wine fans definitely want to try.
Let's introduce three exquisite bottles that let you experience the charm of this winery below.
Woody Farm / Albariño 2023
The 2023 vintage of Albariño, a focus of Woody Farm & Winery.
In the same year, many Albariño grapes were fully ripe depending on the plot; four types of base wines with different ripeness levels were fermented separately, then blended to balance and finish.
Characteristic aromas of peach, citrus, and green apple typical of Albariño, with a soft taste and freshness.
According to the winery, although acid adjustment was necessary, they aimed not to seek anything beyond the vintage, resulting in a bottle that expresses the heat of 2023.
Woody Farm / Albariño 2023, including tax 3,630 yen
Go to the purchase page here!
Woody Farm / Haraguchi Vineyard Petit Manseng Orange 2021
Petit Manseng harvested from Woody Farm’s Haraguchi Vineyard turned into orange wine.
Petit Manseng from Kaminoyama, maturing while enduring the cold winds of Zao Oroshi, is said to have a concentrated flavor.
Moderate extraction of skin-derived components creates aromas of stone fruits, Japanese citrus, honey, and a smoky character.
An attractive orange wine that also retains a fresh feel.
A late-ripening style characterized by a color that changes to orange as it matures.
Woody Farm / Haraguchi Vineyard Petit Manseng Orange 2021, including tax 4,400 yen
Go to the purchase page here!
Woody Farm / Pinot Noir 2021
A captivating Pinot Noir grown in the terroir of Kaminoyama.
A precious red wine made only from fully ripe vintages, with cultivation techniques refined every year.
This Pinot Noir was fermented with wild yeast for 13 days, then aged for 11 months in old barrels and bottled unfiltered.
A toasty aroma with delicate flavors of cherry and plum emerging from within, creating a complex taste.
This elegant bottle reflects a vintage rich in acidity and coolness, showcasing all the charms of Pinot Noir.
Woody Farm / Pinot Noir 2021, including tax 3,520 yen
Go to the purchase page here!
Summary
In recent years, Yamagata Prefecture has been especially thriving.
Among them, Kaminoyama City is one of Japan's top wine-producing regions, highly regarded for its wine-specific grape varieties.
"I want to fully enjoy the terroir of Kaminoyama City."
If that's the case, why not try a bottle crafted by Woody Farm & Winery?
