May 14
I went to Kuratei Winery in Okagami Kawasaki.
Okagami is side by side with my town.
I often have a walk there.
I can visit to the winery about 12 minutes on foot form my house.
I often buy fruits and vegetables at the farm stand of the winery.
I like their strawberry very much.
However, it was the first time I saw the cellar and the vineyard today.
Mr. Yamada, who is the owner of the winery, received me.
He grow not only grape but also many fruits and vegetables.
He also operates a wine school, a wine bar and farmer’s restaurant.
Also, he is an instructor of Academy du Vin Tokyo.
At first, he showed me his wine cellar.
He said, “Here is probably the smallest winery in the world.”
Exactly, it is very small.
The space may be only 10㎡.
He said, “It is the right size if you make wine a little by your own hand only yourself.”
Exactly, the cellar is very stylish.
I like it!
Then we went to the vineyard by car in five minutes.
The vineyard is located near my house but I didn’t know there is such decent vineyard.
He grows several grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, etc.
The vineyard is also small but looks very nice.
He planted grapes 8 years ago.
The first cuvee was released from 2017 vintage.
I also visited to the strawberry farm near the vineyard.
I was surprised to see that the farm is controlled by the latest technologies.
All of the wine were out of stock now.
The new vintage will be released in July.
I am looking forward to tasting the new wines soon.
Thank you very much for Yamada-san.
I was so impressed in your big passion and fine skill.
I am sure you will make a big new waves.
After I came home by car with five minutes, I had a dinner.
I tasted a bottle of Okagami Ale, which is a craft beer made by Yamada-san with the hops and the orange he grows.
I felt fresh hops aroma, good bitter and fine citrus flavor.
It was so tasty.
Also I tasted Ancora Garganega.
It was very nice, too.
Good job today!
