Domaine Sogga
French and Japanese terms
A historic sake brewery turned pioneer winery in Nagano, crafting natural wines from European varieties since 1942.
Domaine Sogga is one of Nagano's most respected wineries, operating from an 1842 sake brewery in Obuse. Wine production began in 1942, with a focus on European varieties since 1995. The 8-hectare estate includes 4 hectares of certified organic vineyards.
- Located in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, at 333 meters elevation
- Founded as a sake brewery in 1842; wine production began in 1942
- Shifted focus to European grape varieties in 1995
- 8 hectares total, with 4 hectares certified organic since 2006
- Winemaker Akihiko Soga studied enology at University of Yamanashi and trained in France
- Produces both estate wines and négociant wines under the Sogga Père et Fils label
- Recognized as one of Nagano's most in-demand and respected wineries
History and Origins
The property behind Domaine Sogga has roots stretching back to 1842, when it operated as a sake brewery. Wine production began at the site in 1942, making it one of Nagano's longer-standing wine producers. The winery took its current direction in 1995 when it committed fully to European grape varieties, a shift guided by winemaker Akihiko Soga.
- Sake brewery established 1842; wine production started 1942
- European variety focus adopted in 1995
- Akihiko Soga returned to Japan in 1988 after studying in France
- Soga holds an enology and viticulture degree from the University of Yamanashi
Viticulture and Winemaking
Domaine Sogga farms 8 hectares of vineyards in Obuse at an elevation of 333 meters. Organic practices have been in place since 2006, with 4 of those hectares now carrying certified organic status. The winery is known for a natural winemaking approach and works with an unusually broad range of varieties, from Bordeaux and Burgundy classics to Albariño, Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Tannat.
- 8 hectares total; 4 hectares certified organic
- Organic farming practices adopted in 2006
- Natural winemaking philosophy throughout the cellar
- Varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Albariño, Viognier, and more
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Open Wine Lookup →Domaine Sogga produces dry reds and whites with a natural winemaking influence. Red wines draw on Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Tannat. White wines span Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Albariño, and Viognier.
- Sogga Père et Fils Chardonnay$30-50Négociant label from Domaine Sogga showcasing Nagano Chardonnay with a natural winemaking approach.Find →
- Domaine Sogga Pinot Noir$60-90Estate Pinot Noir from certified organic Obuse vineyards at 333 meters elevation in Nagano.Find →
- Domaine Sogga Riesling$55-80Dry estate Riesling from Obuse reflecting the European variety focus adopted by the winery in 1995.Find →
- Founded as sake brewery in 1842; wine production started 1942; European variety focus from 1995
- 8 hectares total, 4 hectares certified organic; organic practices adopted 2006
- Winemaker Akihiko Soga studied at University of Yamanashi and trained in France before returning in 1988
- Produces estate wines under Domaine Sogga and négociant wines under Sogga Père et Fils
- Located in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, at 333 meters elevation