wines of Hokkaido
Hokkaido Wines
We offer an extensive selection of Hokkaido wines,
including those from Otaru, Yoichi, Niki, and Sorachi.
History
The History of Hokkaido Wine and Yoichi Today
Grape cultivation in Hokkaido began in 1875, when the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) distributed grape seedlings.
In 1963, the town of Ikeda in the Tokachi region became the first municipality to undertake winemaking, pioneering the connection between region and wine.
Against this backdrop, contract cultivation of wine grapes began in earnest in Yoichi during the 1980s.
From 2010 onward, the establishment of Domaine Takahiko and 10R Winery sparked a wave of new vineyard ventures, leading to a rapid increase in wineries centered in Yoichi and Sorachi.
In 2011, Yoichi became Hokkaido’s first Wine Special Zone, establishing a framework that made it easier for small-scale wineries to open.
Since then, new wineries have been established almost every year, and the Yoichi-Niki area now boasts approximately 30 wineries, making it one of Hokkaido’s premier wine-producing regions.
Hokkaido’s terroir
Hokkaido’s Climate and Grape Cultivation
Hokkaido has no rainy season and low humidity, resulting in fewer grape diseases and making it well-suited for wine grape cultivation.
Within Hokkaido, Yoichi and Niki—just a few dozen minutes by car from Otaru—are surrounded by mountains on three sides and the sea on one, enjoying a relatively mild climate due to the influence of warm ocean currents. This region, long known for fruit cultivation, features vineyards spread across hillside slopes, and is considered ideal for grape growing due to minimal rainfall during harvest season and long hours of sunlight.
Sorachi, located at a latitude similar to Bordeaux, France, is a heavy snowfall area. Here, a unique cultivation method is employed: during winter, the vines are buried under snow and trained along the ground to protect them from severe cold and frost damage.
senior sommelier
Senior Sommelier
Takeo Kaneko
A pioneer who recognized the potential of Japanese wine during its early days and has devoted himself to its promotion. With experience at hotels in Tokyo, Nasu, Osaka, Shima, and beyond, he served wine to world leaders at the 2008 Toyako Summit in Hokkaido, the 2016 Ise-Shima Summit, and the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit.
Drawing on knowledge backed by years of experience, he offers recommendations tailored to each guest’s preferences. Please feel free to ask for assistance in finding your perfect glass.
carefully
selected wines
Hokkaido Wines
Carefully Selected by Our Sommelier
For dinner pairings and moments at the bar, we offer Hokkaido wines carefully selected by our sommelier.
From labels rarely available to the public to those showcasing the distinct character of their producers, we have assembled bottles you can only discover here, available to order as a special pour.
