Gio Hills Winery

Gio Hills’ journey began in the year 2000, when Masaki Tomioka, in partnership with Manns Wines, started planting Chardonnay on the Mimakigahara plateau to the south of Komoro. Years later, these vines are now some of the oldest in the area, and produce several of Nagano’s finest white wines. Today, 34-year old Hayato Tomioka has taken over the reins from his father in the vineyard and winery. Hayato-san comes from the first batch of graduates from the Chikumagawa Wine Academy, having studied there alongside other acclaimed Nagano winemakers.