Aperture Farm & Winery
Kyoho and Chenin excellence in the heart of Nagano.
Founded 2018
Tomi, Nagano Prefecture
Varieties planted
Chenin Blanc, Kyoho, Chardonnay, Merlot
The People
The winery was started in 2015 by Ryo Tanabe, a Saitama native. The name alludes to his past as a professional photographer and love for photography. Tanabe-san’s pet grape variety is Chenin Blanc, which he uses in his top cuvee. He also grows Merlot and Kyoho, while other varieties like Cabernet Franc are purchased from some of the best growers in the area.
Tanabe-san’s dedication to pursuing quality and purity in his wines is demonstrated by his miniscule production volumes, ensuring the right amount of attention can be paid at every step of the process, from picking to bottling.
The Land
Tanabe-san farms as close to organic as possible across his vineyards in Tomi City. His vineyards dot the hills of Tomi, some of which are located on abandoned rice paddies.
Being a mostly one-man show, working with local farmers also allows him to produce wines from other grape varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
The Wine
Like most of his peers in Nagano, Tanabe-san works with both vitis vinifera as well as hybrid grapes. In the cellar, many of the wines are aged in oak top soften their mouthfeel and introduce complexity. Of note is the use of oak in his Kyoho wine, which is uncommon for this style.
From the fun and food-friendly 'Under the Sun' series to the standalone superstar top cuvees, there's something for everyone.
