People often say great wine is made in the vineyard—and after visiting the vineyards of Obuse Winery, we couldn’t agree more.

We were fortunate to receive a rare private tour of their vineyards (please note that Obuse Winery does not normally offer public vineyard tours). Walking among the vines during harvest season, with the dramatic slopes of Mt. Karida rising behind them, it became clear that every bottle starts with an extraordinary sense of place.

The vineyards are intentionally farmed with minimal intervention, allowing each grape to express the unique terroir of Obuse. We learned that even a small change in elevation—or simply crossing a country lane—can dramatically influence both the grape varieties and the character of the wine.

It was an inspiring reminder that wine is not just crafted in the cellar; it’s shaped by nature, the land, and the unwavering dedication of winemaker Akihiko Soga and his team.

At La Cave de Manimani, our mountain cellar at 1,500 meters above sea level, we carefully cellar and cherish a selection of Obuse Winery wines for our guests to discover.

Editor’s Note: This visit took place in September 2018. Obuse Winery does not generally offer public vineyard tours, and policies may have changed since our visit.