From the Rising Sun to the Tuscan Hills: The Love Story Behind Bulichella Winery

Situated in the hills of Suvereto, along Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast, is Bulichella Winery — a place where East meets West in a story of love, vision, and harmony with nature.

On a recent virtual tasting, we were able to learn the history of Bulichella and its wines by engaging directly with Nicolò Miyakawa, who represents the third generation. Bulichella’s roots trace back to the early 1980’s, when Nicolò’s grandfather, Hideyuki Miyakawa, a Japanese entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for Italy’s culture and landscape, fell in love with Tuscany and with Marisa, a young Italian woman who would later become his partner. Their shared passion for the land and sustainable living gave rise to Bulichella, whose name itself evokes “a small, beautiful bubble, or hotspring,”  a haven of serenity and balance amidst vineyards and olive groves. The goal was simple yet profound: to cultivate the land with respect, produce wines that reflect their terroir, and create a life rooted in authenticity and connection.

The estate stretches across 42 hectares. There are 17 hectares of vines rooted in iron, mineral-rich soils. There is a unique microclimate, in which Tyrrhenian sea breezes cool while the inland Mediterranean sun generates warmth, leading to wines of character and balance. The winery’s focus is on organic farming (certified since 2000), sustainable viticulture and refined winemaking, making  Bulichella’s philosophy clear: respect for the land yields wines of precision, depth, and soul.

The Wining Hour with Bulichella

Bulichella’s wines are deeply tied to terroir and they operate the winery with sustainability at the core, producing wines that marry authenticity with innovation. I had the opportunity to experience a few of their wines and discuss them during the virtual visit. 

• Bulichella Sol Sera Rosato IGT
  Crafted from 100% Syrah. This rosé from the Tuscan coast is vibrant and aromatic, with aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus zest, touched by delicate florals and white pepper. The palate, it’s crisp and refreshing, with lively acidity that balances its ripe red fruit flavors. Clean, mineral finish, reflecting the sea breeze and sun in its location.
• Bulichella Tuscanio Vermentino IGT
  Made from 100% Vermentino from old vines, this white wine also reflects the coastal influence of Suvereto. Fresh citrus, white peach, and saline minerality are lifted by Mediterranean herbal notes. A little savory, while also crisp and refreshing. Tuscanio Bianco is ideal with seafood and embodies the elegance of Tuscany’s whites.
• Bulichella Rubino Rosso IGT
  Often considered the flagship and best seller, Rubino is a quintessential Suvereto Super Tuscan, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It delivers plush dark fruit, like blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry layered with spice. Firm tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. According to Nicolò, Rubino is “a complete wine and a gastronomic wine, with great aging potential.” Rubino is indeed a wine for everyone and one that can age gracefully.  
• Bulichella Coldipietrerosse Sovereto DOCG
  The name Coldipietreosse means “hill of red rocks” or “red-rock hill,” signifying the red, rocky vineyards where it is cultivated. A structured blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, this wine is a powerful expression of the terroir. Fragrant, with bold notes of dark cherry, cassis, and mocha framed by earthy or herbal undertones and hints of peppery spice. Coldipietrerosse is elegant and full-bodied with velvety tannins.  Great aging potential.
• Bulichella Montecristo Suvereto DOCG
  This wine is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Grenache. Nicolò refers to this wine as their “most ambitious” and “most Japanese project,” as it combines tradition and innovation. Montecristo is a bold and complex red with aromas of red berries, cocoa and spice. The palate is rich and structured, yet juicy and inviting, showing ripe dark fruit, fine tannins, and balanced acidity. The finish is long, smooth, and layered with notes of chocolate and tobacco, reflecting both the warmth of Suvereto and the finesse of careful aging.

Ultimately, Bulichella is a winery rooted in place and purpose. Their wines, from its flagship Rubino to its bright Tuscanio labels, capture both the soul of Tuscany and the global appeal of the Super Tuscan movement. This duality, heritage with innovation, makes them stand out. Moreover, Bulichella is a model estate where cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and winemaking artistry converge. In fact, Nicolò placed a lot of emphasis on the merge between wine, art and design. He discussed the labels and how they are designed for each one to tell the story of his family. “Everyone is involved in some way in the arts and creativity.” Additionally, the winery offers agriturismo for anyone seeking an authentic and cultural experience in Suvereto. 

Today, Bulichella stands as a testament to Nicolò‘a grandfather’s vision, as it is a blend of Japanese precision and Tuscan soul. Their wines embody this dual heritage: refined, expressive, and deeply connected to the earth. At Bulichella, every bottle tells a love story — one written in sunlight, soil, and the enduring bond between Japan and Tuscany.