Featured Producers
Sake Producers from Nagano, Japan
High in the remote Nagano Alps, small sake producers have refined their craft for centuries. Each brewery creates uniquely handcrafted sake, offering flavors and traditions that stand apart from mass-produced, commercial offerings.
A Generational Brewing Tradition, Handed Down to Today’s Toji, Hideki Wakabayashi
Located in the tranquil hills of Nagano Prefecture, Naganomeijo has been crafting sake for over 300 years since its founding in 1689 in the picturesque village called Sarashina.
Surrounded by terraced rice fields and blessed with the pure pristine water from the Seven Sacred Springs of Yahata Hachiman, this brewery brews 100% junmai sake using only locally grown rice and high-quality water from the Seven Sacred Springs. Passed down through generations, its brewing tradition carries the heritage of Japan’s artisanal mastery, refined year after year by the passion and skill of a lineage of Toji master brewers.
Each bottle from Naganomeijo is both a gift of nature and a testament to human dedication. The TANADA brand takes its name from the beautifully terraced rice fields where their rice is grown, with seasonal labels that reflect the richness and elegance of these iconic landscapes.
The Crimson Crest Masamune series expresses depth and refinement shaped by centuries of history. The Crismson Crest Masamune pays homage to the iconic crimson armor of a famous warrior named Yukimura Sanada from the brewer’s region. The letter “M” stands for Masamune, reflecting refined artisanal craftsmanship. Its design incorporates deer antlers, a tribute to Yukimura’s legendary helmet and the spirit of courage it represents. With every bottle in the Warrior lineup (Bold, Elite and Loyal Warrior), you embark on a journey through Nagano’s landscapes, heritage, and meticulous craft of authentic sake.
Producer of Felico
Felico is more than just sake—it is the embodiment of a dream, crafted with love, perseverance, and a deep affection for both tradition and new beginnings. Momo Wada, a female sake brewer, has poured her heart into Felico, a sake born from her passion and the desire to share Japanese culture with the world.
In Japan, obtaining a new brewing license is virtually impossible. However, thanks to the generous support of Naganomeijo, a respected sake brewery in Nagano Japan, she was able to bring Felico to life. Every step of the brewing process was a collaboration, blending their time-honored techniques with her vision for a unique sake.
Felico’s label features a hand-drawn portrait of one of her three beloved rescue cats, with whom she shares her life. This particular cat’s playful spirit embodies the joy and comfort she hopes Felico brings to those who enjoy it. Through Felico, she wishes to be connected to people across cultures, sharing not only the taste of Japanese sake, but also the warmth and unique story behind each bottle.
Enjoy Felico – a sake born from dreams, collaboration, and a love for cats.
The Origin of the Name “Felico”
“Felico” is a unique name inspired by two beautiful French words. First, “Félin” means “feline,” representing the graceful and soothing presence of a cat. Second, “Félicité” translates to “happiness,” expressing the sense of joy and warmth that Momo hopes her sake brings. By adding “-CO” at the end, she gave the name a touch of friendliness and charm, making it easy to remember and endearing.
Through Felico, the producer wishes to offer you a moment of happiness, just like basking in the gentle sunlight with a beloved cat. Her sake is light, gently aromatic, and filled with a nostalgic comfort that warms the heart. Felico has the soothing presence of a cat—simply being there brings peace and happiness. Momo wishes every sip leaves you with a lingering sense of quiet comfort and lasting contentment.
The Story of Ichinoya Sake
Founded in the late Edo period, Ichinoya Brewery has been crafting sake in Omachi City in Nagano for more than 160 years. Enriched by the breathtaking Northern Japanese Alps, Ichinoya has preserved its skill and spirit of sake-making across generations, remaining deeply connected to the lives of local people.
At the heart of Ichinoya’s sake-making is the pristine underground water that flows from the 3,000-meter-class peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps. Filtered and refined over many years, this natural spring water varies in mineral content from ultra-soft to medium-hard—something rare among brewing regions. By choosing the optimal water type for each sake label, Ichinoya creates distinctive flavors unique to “Shinano-Omachi, the Town Where Waters Are Born.”
Ichinoya carefully selects locally grown rice, including distinctive varieties such as Omachi, and Kinmon-Nishiki. While honoring traditional techniques such as kimoto fermentation and the three-stage brewing method, Ichinoya makes elegant sake with versatile pairing potential suited to modern dining. With clarity and depth that shine even in a wine glass, Ichinoya’s sake pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, well beyond Japanese cuisine.
The Ryusuisen brand features a label depicting a mystic dragon emerging from spring water. Deeply rooted in its hometown, Ichinoya’s sake now reaches a global audience and is available in the United States for the first time.
Alps Masamune – Brewed with the Spirit of the Japanese Alps
Located in Matsumoto City of Nagano Prefecture, Kametaya Brewery has been crafting fine sake since its founding in 1869. Situated in the majestic Northern Alps, the brewery is blessed with crystal-clear underground water and carefully selected premium local rice to produce sake that captures the very essence of its homeland.
The Alps Masamune series blends centuries-old craftsmanship with modern refinement, pairing seamlessly with dishes from sushi to steak. Its fresh, elegant flavors are served at high-end restaurants across Japan.
For over 150 years, the brewery has connected people with the changing seasons and the beauty of nature through every taste of its sake. Each sip carries the crisp mountain air, pure waters, and the devotion of generations of master brewers.
Savor the elegance and refined expression of the Japanese Alps—discover the Alps Masamune series- available exclusively at our shop.
Taste the Soul of Nagano — Handcrafted Sake from Matsubayahonten
Nestled in the northern region of Nagano, Japan, Matsubayahonten has been brewing sake for over two centuries, upholding a deep respect for nature, tradition, and the local community. Surrounded by the majestic Northern Alps, Matsubayahonten crafts sake using pure, soft spring water from the mountains and premium sake rice grown in the region’s fertile fields, resulting in a refined, crystal-clear flavor.
Every drop of their sake reflects the changing seasons and the passion of their master brewers. While preserving time-honored techniques passed down through generations, Matsubayahonten pursues flavors that resonate with modern sensibilities.
Irises is the first sake label from this brewery, exclusive to the U.S. market and imported by us. In Japan, irises symbolize courage and a pioneering spirit, echoing the brewery’s current ambition and challenge as they expand beyond Japan. Innovatively crafted and perfectly aged for two years, Irises pairs beautifully with hot pot dishes, delivering a harmonious balance of rich, elegant umami and gentle sweetness, with a clean, lingering finish.
In each glass, you will discover not merely a drink, but a story—of Nagano’s landscapes, the brewer’s history, and the craftsmanship that has been cherished for generations.
Raise your cup to tradition, innovation, and the timeless beauty of Japanese sake.