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Château Mercian Mariko Winery

Nagano Prefecture

Ethos: Platforming indigenous Japanese grapes grown in a serene mountain sanctuary

Winemaker

Hironori Kobayashi

Wine Style

Vibrant red, white and rosés made from indigenous Japanese varieties as well as international grapes.

Growing differences in the world: Situated on the Japanese Jinba plateau, Château Mercian's latest winery, Mariko, was completed in 2019. Named after the son of a sixth-century emperor, this is the third winery in the portfolio of Japan's oldest private wine company which was founded 145 years ago. Twenty hectares of vineyards surround the modern, white concrete and glass winery in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. Their mission is to capture the honesty and quality of the fruit, together with the climate and soils of the region.

Ground yourself in the authentic: A bench beneath the giant cherry tree of Ippongi Park provides both a dose of serenity and views of the Mariko Winery. Here a conviction and determination to understand the wines of the world becomes the platform to develop and display the unique character expressed through Japanese wines. Aiming for a style that can be compared to a Japanese garden, there's no single focal point, instead all the elements work together to produce a complex, deep and resonating sensation.

Sensations for the senses: Vistas from the winery span 360 degrees with mountains and volcanoes in the distance and 30 hectares of vineyards below, which you'll get to roam on the premium tour. The gravity-flow winery transports the liquid in rails running overhead, a window looks out onto the fermentation tanks below, allegorical artwork adorns the walls. The tasting counter serves the full range (do try the native Japanese grape varieties) alongside local food. Nagano also has a national reputation for growing delicious dessert grapes, notably Japan's famous Kyoho grape (giant mountain grapes), perfect for cheese boards or grape sorbet.

Luxury in Nagano Prefecture: Tour the winery and vineyards, taste six wines including Château Mercian's finest Iconic Series in the Omnis Room overlooking the vineyards and reflect on the seasons and the winemaking facilities. The Mariko luxury tour takes just under two hours and is designed for couples or parties of up to ten. Drivers are catered for with non-alcoholic sparkling wine as drink drive laws in Japan are extremely strict. Relax in the nearby Ippongi Park – a haven of peace and tranquillity, filled with the scent of roses in the spring and gorgeous petal-headed dahlias in the autumn.

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