Southern Hokkaido Leads Japan’s Emerging Wine Scene

Southern Hokkaido is in the midst of a wine production boom.

 

As climate change threatens many traditional wine regions, Southern Hokkaido`s cool climate, fertile soil and local government support have put it at the forefront of Japan’s growing wine scene, which nationwide has seen wineries triple over the last ten years.

Domaine de Montiel is a 300 year-old French winery that established a new subsidiary in the foothills of Northern Hakodate in 2019, overlooking the town.

The first harvest of its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes is expected this year.

Many of the new establishments specialize in natural wine, such as Norakura, which entered at the beginning of the current boom in 2012 and uses wild yeast in its production.

Hokkaido is already known as a gourmet region, making the addition of wines an easy fit with its many food fairs and dinings events.

Winery tours have also been growing in popularity, especially since the end of COVID restrictions.

Sources
Hokkaido Shimbun – 14 May 2023
GourmetPro – 13 February 2023

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