Jun. 26
It was the second day in Hokkaido.
I visited to wineries in Yoichi with Mr. Fujii, the owner of Wine Shop Fujii.
At first, we arrived at Domaine Takahiko.
We saw the vineyard first as usual.
It is the single vineyard planted Pinot Noir grown by perfect organic method.
The vineyard produces one of the best Pinot Noir in Japan.
We tasted his Pinot Noir 2015 form the cask.
They were outstanding.
Takahiko told us about his whole bunch fermentation with big his passion.
We were very impressed in his talk.
Thank you very much for Takahiko-san.
Then we moved to Kimura Vineyard.
Mr. Tadashi Kimura welcomed us even though a no appointment.
We saw very well organized his 10 ha single vineyard.
The vineyard produces outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Kernar.
The talk of Kimura-san is really interesting.
We enjoyed talking about a lot of wine episodes.
Thank you very much for Kimura-san.
We had a nice Uni-Don at lunch.
After the lunch, we visited to Hirakawa Winery.
It is the newest winery & vineyards in Yoichi.
Mr. Hirakawa stayed and studied wine making in France for a long time.
He worked in a lot of famous wineries in France.
He also worked in a lot of excellent restaurant in France as sommelier.
After came back to Japan, he worked in Michel Bras TOYA Japon as the chef sommelier.
Then he knew a big potential for wine making in Hokkaido.
He bought old vineyards in Yoichi two years ago and built the winery last year.
He grows Kerner, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blan, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.
He pays a big effort to produce the top class wine of the world.
We tasted his wines at the cellar.
We can find a big potential of them in near future.
Thank you very much for Hirakawa-san.
We expect the glorious future of you!
Finally, we moved to Chitose and visited to Hokkaido Chuo Winery.
Mr. Aoki, the winemaker, welcomed us.
We don’t have a enough time because of my flight schedule.
We tasted the top cuvee Kerner of the winery before release.
It was outstanding.
Mr. Aoki told us, “I want to make Kerner as the top white grape for wine in Japan.”
Yes, I found a big potential of Kerner in Hokkaido in this trip.
Thank you very much for Aoki-san.
I am looking forward to tasting your finest Kerner in the near future.
Then I moved to Chitose Airport.
While waiting for my flight, I had a very nice sushi at airport sushi-bar.
It was very nice visit to Hokkaido.
I have got many passions for wine from many people.
Thank you!
