Kazuki Nakajima – Domaine Nakajima (Nagano Prefecture)

Kazuki Nakajima founded Domaine Nakajima in Nagano Prefecture after studying viticulture and oenology at the University of Yamanashi. Inspired by small European domaines, he chose to focus on low-intervention, terroir-driven wines that showcase Nagano’s high-altitude vineyards.
The estate cultivates Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir at elevations exceeding 700 meters. Farming is organic, with a strong emphasis on soil balance and biodiversity. Fermentation is spontaneous, and no fining or filtration is used.
Nakajima’s wines are elegant and focused, marked by clarity and tension rather than power. His restrained approach and commitment to purity have earned him recognition among Japan’s new generation of independent, artisanal producers.

Winemaker and History 👨‍🌾

  • Winemaker: Yutaka Nakajima.

  • Background: Nakajima's interest in wine began while he was studying at culinary school. He was inspired by natural wine and gained practical experience working in European wine regions, including the Loire Valley (France) and Baden (Germany), as well as at Japan's Coco Farm.

  • Establishment: He moved to Tomi, Nagano, in 2009, planted his first vineyard in 2011, and founded the small-scale winery, Domaine Nakajima, in 2014.

  • Location: The vineyards are situated on a small slope at an altitude of approximately 850 meters, benefiting from Nagano's cooler, drier inland climate, which is favorable for cultivating European grape varieties.

Winemaking Philosophy 🍷

Yutaka Nakajima's winemaking philosophy centers on freedom, simplicity, and a hands-on, natural approach both in the vineyard and the cellar.

  • "Winemaking is Freedom": This is his overarching philosophy, allowing him to be creative and experimental in his process.

  • Natural Style: His wines are made in a natural style, often featuring a touch of cloudiness from lees.

  • Minimal Intervention: He adds minimal to no sulfur at bottling (historically a small dose of around 15 ppm).

  • Focus on Quality: Production is extremely limited, producing only a few thousand bottles annually, prioritizing quality over quantity. He believes he doesn't just "make wine," he makes "good wine"—wine that is "original" and tasty.

  • Hands-on Craftsmanship: Nakajima emphasizes hands-on techniques, even inventing and using self-made, hand-cranked wooden tools in the winery, which epitomizes his artisan approach.

Viticulture and Grape Varieties 🍇

Nakajima-san's viticulture emphasizes working with nature to bring out the grapes' true potential.

  • Vineyard Management: He practices environmentally friendly and near-organic methods, using minimal pesticides (only fungicides permitted for organic cultivation) and no insecticides. He allows wild grass and herbs to flourish between rows.

  • Stress for Quality: He intentionally allows the vines to endure a "certain amount of insects, disease and drought" to stress the grapes and intensify their flavor.

  • Main Estate Varieties (French):

    • White: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

    • Red: Cabernet Franc, Merlot

  • Newer/Jura-Inspired Varieties: He has been expanding his repertoire with new plantings of Pinot Noir and Savagnin.

  • Signature Pét-Nat: A unique and highly praised wine is his Petillant Naturel Rosé (Pét-Nat), which is made from the local Japanese table grape variety, Kyoho. To concentrate the flavor of the juicy Kyoho berries, the grapes are typically air-dried for up to two weeks before pressing.