Abstract
This paper examines the management status of vineyard farmers who sell wine through contract brewing in emerging wine-producing regions that have experienced rapid growth since the 2010s, and explores the significance of their presence in rural areas. The study focuses on the central-eastern part of Nagano Prefecture and finds that most vineyard managers are relocatees from metropolitan areas who rent abandoned farmland to cultivate wine-specific varieties and sell relatively expensive wines in small quantities. Many engage in side jobs, and supplement their income with savings and pensions. Regarding their significance, the study reveals that these farmers contribute to the revitalization of abandoned farmland, rejuvenate aging rural communities, provide valuable labor for the construction industry and vegetable/fruit harvesting through their side jobs, and practice or aspire to start businesses beyond vineyards, such as guesthouses and cafes. The concentration of vineyards near wineries expands options for contract winemakers and facilitates regional brand creation and wine tourism. For wineries, contract brewing represents a stable revenue source, making the coexistence of both vineyard farmers and wineries essential for the sustainable development of emerging wine-producing regions.
https://ror.org/05kt9ap64 
