Tucked away at the base of the Zao mountains in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, Takeda Winery’s vineyards have flourished since 1920. Established initially as the “Takeda Food Factory,” their mantra has remained steadfast: “Good wine comes from good grapes.”
Noriko Kishidaira, after refining her craft in France’s renowned vineyards, returned with a mission: to champion the old vines they have been cultivating since the 1920s. While many saw the Muscat Bailey A vines as remnants of Japan’s lesser wine past, she saw them as a rich legacy and full of potential. Through spirited discussions, her conviction swayed her father, Shigenobu Takeda, to preserve these vines. Having to come up with new ways of growing and vinifying Muscat Bailey A, Noriko introduced transformative techniques, leading to the creation of the lauded Domaine Takeda Bailey A Vieille Vigne.
In 2005, Noriko’s leadership ascended to new heights as she took the reins of Takeda Winery, making history as Japan’s first female winery president. Under her guidance, the wines, particularly the Muscat Bailey A, have been lauded for their profound depth, intricate complexity, and harmonious pairing with diverse dishes. A legacy of vision and tenacity, Noriko’s wines continue to resonate on global palates.
