Sun Sun is the vineyard project of a company called Sun Vision, who own a residence for elderly people in Shioji City. The story of how the vineyard began is a slightly unusual one, and as far as I can make out, this is how it goes. The mayor of the city approached Sun Vision and asked them whether they’d be interesting in developing a vineyard. A sommelier introduced the director of the company to a consultant, Hideo Tokawa, who then helped them establish the vineyard in 2011.

Initially they planted 3 hectares near where the winery is now located, and another 2 hectare plot elsewhere, and the first wines were made at Manns Winery in 2013. The grapes were ripe, and pretty good, so that encouraged them to build their own winery and restaurant/cellar door in 2015.

Sun Sun Estate Naked Chardonnay 2017 Nagano, Japan
Fruity and rounded with attractive, lightly spiced pear fruit and a bit of citrus freshness. Simple and textured with appealing fruit. 86/100

Sun Sun Estate Chateau Sun Sun Chardonnay 2015 Nagano, Japan
This is quite woody and spicy with bright citrus and pear fruit. The wood sticks out a bit: it’s strongly savoury and has a cedar spice edge. The fruit can’t cope with it. 84/100

Sun Sun Estate Merlot Section A 2015 Nagano, Japan
Fresh and light with bright, supple red cherry and berry fruits. Light, pleasant, but finishes abruptly. 86/100

Sun Sun Estate Merlot Section B 2015 Nagano, Japan
Juicy, stony and quite savoury with sweet cherries and plums, and a hint of caramel on the finish. This is a bit short, but there’s some freshness and drinkability. 85/100

Sun Sun Estate Chateau Sun Sun Merlot 2015 Nagano, Japan
Nicely savoury with some grainy structure and a touch of oak. Juicy with some graininess. Nicely restrained sweet cherry and plum fruit. Slightly bitter on the finish. 87/100

Sun Sun Estate Concord 2017 Nagano, Japan
Bright pink red in colour, this is juicy and fruity with a cherry jelly character. It’s really vivid and fun with nice acidity, and just a hint of sweetness. Very well made in its style. 86/100

Sun Sun Estate Blended Cider Scarlet
Pink in colour this has lovely bite and fresh acidity. It has a serious character with nice bitter apple notes. Lovely stuff.

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Nagano Wine Region (2019)

• (1) Nagano Overview
• (2) Gio Hills
• (3) Tasting at Tomi Wine Chapel
• (4) Rue de Vin
• (5) Cave Hatano
• (6) Funky Chateau
• (7) Azumino Winery
• (8) Northern Alps Vineyards
• (9) Izutzu Winery
• (10) Vino Della Gatta
• (11) Sun Sun Estate
• (12) Takayashiro Farm
• (13) St Cousair
• (14) Domaine Sogga/Obusé Winery
• (15) Domaine Hase
• (16) An overview tasting
• (17) A film of the Nagano region

Nagano Wine Region (2018)

• Overview: Japan’s wine scene
• Part 1, Kido Winery
• Part 2, Domaine Nakajima
• Part 3, Hyashi Nouen
• Part 4, Kusunoki Winery
• Part 5, Obusé Winery
• Part 6, Manns Winery Komoro
• Part 7, Villa d’Est Garden Farm and Winery
• Part 8, Votano Wines
• Part 9, Cantina Riezo
• Part 10, Shinshu Takayama Winery
• Nagano wine tasting and overall impressions