1. Kaminoyama City is booming with wine

Kaminoyama City is blessed with favorable natural conditions, with little rain during the grape growing season and large temperature differences between day and night.

As a result, wine grape production is thriving, and the entire region is working hard to develop wine culture.

The local government, tourism operators, and wineries are working together to promote the Kaminoyama Wine Village Project.

Furthermore, since it has been designated as the Kaminoyama Wine Special Zone, the establishment of new wineries is on the rise, making it one of the areas attracting attention among wine lovers.

Kaminoyama also holds wine events on a regular basis, so be sure to check them out.

2. About Woody Farm & Winery

Woody Farm & Winery is a domaine-style winery orchard that handles everything from the fields to winemaking.

In 1977, they started cultivating grapes for wine in Kaminoyama City, and with that desire to try their hand at winemaking, Woody Farm & Winery now manages 9 hectares of vineyards and 4 hectares of orchards.

Here you can enjoy a tour plan (reservations required) that is unique to Domaine Winery.

You can experience things like winery tours, field tours, and wine tastings, so be sure to check it out.

There is also a farm shop and cottages where you can stay. I will report on them later.

Now, let us introduce each of Woody Farm & Winery’s facilities.

① Orchard

First, we visited the orchard.

Because the quality of the grapes is directly linked to the quality of the wine, Woody Farm & Winery grows them under strict control.

The company currently owns 9 hectares of vineyards and 4 hectares of orchards, and by using only grapes produced on its own land, it is able to provide wines that reflect the terroir of the area.

② Winery

The next place we visited was the winery facility.

We were given a thorough explanation of the process, from squeezing the grapes to fermenting and bottling.

It was my first time visiting a winery and I really enjoyed it.

The sight of all those tanks lined up was overwhelming.

There is a faint aroma of wine.

There is also a tour that includes lunch, and you can enjoy wine pairings with dishes made with local ingredients.

Not only can you learn about winemaking, but you can also learn a variety of other things such as wine trivia and trends in the wine industry, so I think it’s recommended not only for wine lovers but also for those who don’t know much about wine.

③ Cottage

If you visit Woody Farm & Winery, we recommend you try the winery cottage accommodation.

Completed in 2023, this accommodation facility is located in a quiet environment surrounded by fields and orchards, allowing you to forget about your daily routine and enjoy a relaxing moment with a glass of wine.

There are two cottages to choose from: a 2LDK (Building A) for families or groups, and a 1LDK (Building B) for couples or small groups.

Building A: Spacious 2LDK for groups
Building A is a 2LDK type apartment perfect for those who want to have fun with family and friends.

There are two bedrooms, each with three semi-double beds and a private bathroom, so even adults can stay comfortably.

You can also use the sauna as an option (additional fee applies).

The interior, with its warm wooden feel, had a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

What was especially appealing was the open kitchen.

The spacious kitchen makes it a great place to enjoy time with friends.

In addition, wine glasses and a wine cellar are provided, so you can enjoy Woody Farm & Winery’s signature wines at the perfect temperature.

Open the blinds in the bedroom to enjoy beautiful views of the countryside and mountains.

No matter where you look, you’ll be soothed by the beautiful scenery.

Building B: Private 1LDK
Building B is a 1LDK type apartment, perfect for couples or small groups.

Equipped with three semi-double beds, this room is perfect for small groups looking for a relaxing stay. (Accommodation is for 2 people or more)

The quiet and calm atmosphere was the perfect place to relax and forget about time.

A beautiful view of Kaminoyama spreads out outside the window.

It is a special space where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some luxurious time.

Building B is also equipped with a specially made bathtub and sauna, providing the perfect environment for refreshing yourself. (The price for Building B includes the sauna fee.)

Especially after refreshing in the sauna, there’s nothing quite like relaxing while looking at the nature outside the window.

Surrounded by orchards and fields, this cottage offers an extraordinary relaxation experience in harmony with nature.

It’s no wonder that customers come from not only outside the prefecture, but also from overseas.

If you’re a wine lover, this is a must-stay.

④ Farm Shop

At the farm shop adjacent to Woody Farm, you can purchase the farm’s own wine, fruit juice, and sweets.

There were plenty of souvenirs perfect for wine lovers as well as tourists wanting to enjoy local flavors.

The paid tasting corner is especially recommended.

You can compare Woody Farm’s proud wines at the reasonable price of 440 yen per glass, or 1,100 yen for three glasses.

Recently, white wines have been especially popular. During the tasting, the staff will carefully explain the characteristics of the wines and the recommended ways to drink them, so even wine beginners can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

One of the joys of the shop is finding the perfect piece for you through conversation with the staff.

Additionally, the farm shop also has a gachapon machine where you can win original products that are unique to Woody Farm.

The excitement of not knowing what you’ll win is sure to be enjoyed not only by children but also by adults.

If you visit Woody Farm, be sure to stop by this farm shop and find your favorite wine and souvenirs.

3. Message

We received a message for all viewers of VISIT YAMAGATA.

“Kaminoyama City is offering bicycle rentals and promoting winery tours.

At Woody Farm & Winery, we not only offer tours, but also accommodation, lunch, and tastings, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and local charm.

We plan to continue planning fun events so that the facility can become a place that everyone can feel comfortable visiting.

We hope you will come and enjoy a special experience that you can only experience here.

We look forward to seeing you.”

4. Summary

Woody Farm & Winery is a special place where you can fully enjoy the charm of wine and fruits.

Through tours and overnight stays, you can not only experience the depth of winemaking and the charm of the region, but also spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature.

If you are visiting Kaminoyama City, be sure to stop by. It is sure to be enjoyable not only for wine lovers, but also for beginners.