Akiu Winery: A Taste of Miyagi’s Countryside in Every Glass

Source: Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association

Wine lovers, you need to add Akiu Winery to your Japan itinerary! Just a short drive from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, this charming destination is more than a vineyard. Here, it is not simply about sipping reds and whites. It is about experiencing Miyagi’s rural landscape at its most genuine.

From vineyard walks to tastings that highlight local produce, every visit reveals the craftsmanship and culture behind the wines. With each glass, Akiu Winery captures the essence of Tohoku, offering travellers a true taste of Japan’s countryside heritage.

Source: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

Akiu Winery at a Glance

Founded in 2015, Akiu Winery holds the distinction of being the first winery established in Miyagi Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Not simply a producer of wine, it was created with the vision of revitalising the community, supporting regional agriculture, and celebrating the flavours and traditions of Tohoku.

Set against the backdrop of Akiu Onsen, just half an hour from Sendai, the winery cultivates nearly 7,000 vines across grape varieties such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.

Sustainability lies at the core of its philosophy. Through organic methods and biodiversity-friendly practices, Akiu Winery balances care for the land with the pursuit of distinctive wines. Beyond viticulture, it also serves as a gathering place, hosting tours, events and tasting experiences that bring people together around wine and regional food culture.

Source: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

The Winery Experience

Akiu Winery offers visitors much more than a simple tasting. Structured wine tasting sessions allow guests to sample a range of wines while learning about their distinct notes, styles, and origins.

Vineyard tours are another highlight, giving travellers the chance to walk through rows of vines surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh countryside air. These tours offer insight into the cultivation process and the close relationship between the land and the wine.

The experience is often enhanced with food pairings, where wines are matched with local cheeses, produce, and traditional Miyagi specialties. These pairings highlight the harmony between regional cuisine and the winery’s offerings.

Source: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

For those seeking something more immersive, the winery occasionally offers extras such as wine-making workshops or a visit to the gift shop, where travellers can bring home a bottle of wine along with local souvenirs and snacks that reflect the flavours of the region.

When to Visit Akiu Winery

Each season at Akiu Winery offers its own charm. Autumn is the highlight, when the vineyards come alive with harvest and the hills glow with colourful foliage. Summer brings bright skies and lush green rows of vines, while winter creates a serene scene with snow blanketing the landscape outside.

A visit to Akiu Winery is an invitation to experience Miyagi’s countryside and to discover the flavours and traditions that define Tohoku. Whether you come for the wines, the scenery or the local culture, each visit offers a taste of the region at its best.

If you are planning a trip to Akiu Winery or looking to explore the Tohoku region, we offer private, customisable tours with a local guide. Contact us here!

Don’t forget to check out our other travel guides here for more amazing destinations across Japan.