Sadoya Winery

Sadoya's roots trace back to the Edo period, when the founding family operated an oil business. The company transitioned into liquor and beer distribution in 1909, and Seizo Imai, the 6th-generation owner, formally established Sadoya as a winery in 1917. In the early years, grapes were sourced from the Katsunuma district. The pivotal year of 1936 saw the importation of French grape varieties, a move widely credited with establishing modern viticulture in the Kofu region. A fire destroyed the winery in 1945, but the Imai family rebuilt immediately, and by 1946 the flagship wine Château Brillant had been created, with its first release in 1950.

• Originally an Edo-era oil company, pivoting to wine production in 1917
• French vine imports in 1936 established viticulture in the Kofu area
• Rebuilt after fire in 1945; Château Brillant released 1950
• Designated supplier to Japan's Imperial Household Agency

Sadoya's vineyards sit within the Kofu appellation in Yamanashi Prefecture at elevations between 300 and 600 meters. The soils are volcanic, composed of basalt and andesite, and are notably well-drained. The continental climate delivers long sunshine hours (Yamanashi receives the most sunlight of any Japanese region), low rainfall, and significant diurnal temperature variation. These conditions support both early-ripening aromatic varieties and the structure needed for Bordeaux-style reds.

• Elevations of 300 to 600 meters above sea level
• Volcanic basalt and andesite soils, well-drained
• Continental climate with low rainfall and high diurnal temperature range
• Yamanashi has the longest sunshine hours of any Japanese region

Sadoya grows a broad portfolio of varieties spanning both native and international grapes. Koshu, Japan's signature white grape, is grown alongside international whites such as Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc. Reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Muscat Bailey A, a Japanese hybrid. Delaware is also cultivated for sparkling production. The winery's philosophy centers on dry wines with an emphasis on Bordeaux-inspired reds and crisp, food-friendly whites, producing approximately 15 to 20 wine varieties in total.

• Native varieties: Koshu, Muscat Bailey A, Delaware
• International varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
• Dry wine focus with Bordeaux-style red production as a cornerstone
• Produces both still and sparkling wines across roughly 15 to 20 labels

Château Brillant is Sadoya's flagship wine, created in 1946 and first released in 1950. It has won numerous international awards and stands as the wine most closely associated with Sadoya's reputation. The winery's consistent quality earned it the distinction of supplying wine to Japan's Imperial Household Agency, placing it among the country's most prestigious producers.

• Château Brillant created 1946, released 1950, multiple international award winner
• Sadoya supplies wine to Japan's Imperial Household Agency
• Pioneer designation: first Japanese winery to champion authentic French-style dry wines
• Located 5 minutes from JR Kofu Station, making it accessible for visitors

Sadoya sits just five minutes' walk from JR Kofu Station, making it one of the most accessible wineries in Japan. The underground cellars extend across 7,200 square meters and are open for tours, conducted in Japanese with advance reservation required. The property includes an on-site French restaurant, Real D'Or, offering wine pairings, as well as a chapel used for weddings.

• 5-minute walk from JR Kofu Station in central Kofu
• Underground cellars spanning 7,200 square meters
• Tours available in Japanese; advance reservation required
• On-site French restaurant Real D'Or and a wedding chapel