My Story 18: Encountering Hokkaido Wine
February 2024
I was invited by Yoichi Wine Ambassador Higuchi-kun to join a wine tour.
I had visited wineries in Kyushu, Yamanashi, and Toyama before, but this was my first time in Hokkaido.
Wine friends had told me, "Hokkaido is great!", but I hadn't had much of a connection to it and rarely had the chance to drink it.
I heard one of them talk about visiting a winery in Yoichi for a grape harvest experience.
I listened, thinking it must be a wonderful place, but I never imagined that just a few months later, I would be standing there myself.
Winter in Hokkaido.
I stayed in touch with a friend living in Hokkaido to discuss the distance from Sapporo to Yoichi and how to get around.
However, it was my first time in Sapporo and my first time in Yoichi.
I didn't know where to start with preparations, but since the wine tour was a local meetup, I booked my flight and headed out.
I was immediately baptized by the February Hokkaido weather at Fukuoka Airport.
Just after passing through the boarding gate, an announcement came that my flight would be delayed by four hours.
The delay happened right after I had already gone inside. Well, what should I do now?
When I contacted my local friend to let them know I would be late, they were calm, saying, "That's common this time of year!" and "You're lucky the plane is even flying at all!"
I arrived in Hokkaido safely. Sapporo was covered in snow.
I couldn't stop feeling excited about this new land.
I never expected to have so many new encounters at this time.
I spent the first night in Sapporo. I visited a few shops where I could drink Hokkaido wine before heading to my hotel.
I also had the Sapporo Classic draft beer that everyone recommends, and prepared for the next day.
I woke up early in the morning to stroll through the Nijo Market.
I came across a very delicious seafood bowl restaurant.
I am still in touch with the landlady there today.
I stopped by Hokkaido Jingu Shrine to pay my morning respects. From there, I took a highway bus to Yoichi Station.
Upon arrival, I immediately had lunch at a local Italian restaurant. What came out were white and red wines from Domaine Takahiko. Of course, it was my first time experiencing them.
After that, I moved on to Camel Farm.
I toured the large vineyard spread out in the snow, and then tasted about five types of wine. I was moved by the wine nurtured by the land of Hokkaido.
After that, I went to Domaine Takahiko, which I had tasted at lunch earlier. I was shown the Nanatsumori vineyard.
I was captivated by the love for wine and love for Yoichi that Takahiko-san spoke of in the snow.
After that, I went to a hotel in front of Yoichi Station.
We had a pairing dinner with Kimura-san from Kimura Farm.
The day was so intense that I was instantly captured by the charm of Hokkaido wine and Yoichi.
Actually, at that time, I was going through a lot of difficult things, and I had even thought about canceling right up until the last minute.
It was the two female part-time staff members who pushed me to go, and it became a reality.
At that moment, I realized the importance of time and experience, rather than money.
It was a moment when I was saved by wine.
On the morning of the second day, I had Hokkaido sparkling wine with breakfast.
A luxurious time. I feel that experiences like this are what really increase the number of Hokkaido wine fans.
After that, I had the episode of white wine and a tasting at Nikka Whisky.
This was my encounter with Niki Hills Winery in the neighboring town of Niki, the producer of this wine.
Well, from there I went to Nakane Liquor Store in Yoichi town. Hokkaido wines were lined up in rows. I have visited wineries all over Japan, but this was the moment I felt that there are few places that are so thoroughly committed to it.
From there, I moved back to the front of Yoichi Station to a Japanese restaurant called Kakuto Tokushimaya.
It was a restaurant recommended by a friend living in the Kanto region who is also into wine.
In addition to Nanatsumori and Domaine Mont, I had various Hokkaido wines. The pairing I had on-site was exceptional.
I had about six types of wine by the glass in total.
And from here, I went to the winery in the neighboring town, Niki Hills.
This is the story of the encounter between Prospero and Niki Hills Winery.
After passing through the entrance, I saw the vineyard through a large window. Then, I went to the large and beautiful brewing facilities and storage cellar.
Also, the restaurant dining area is located in a place surrounded by barrels. I tasted six types of wine. I was moved by how delicious they were.
As a sommelier, I seriously thought again about how I could deliver and convey this experience and deliciousness to my customers. It was that kind of special winery.
My relationship with Niki Hills Winery began here,
This winery saved Prospero and myself.
On this day, I visited Niki Shrine near Niki Hills, and afterwards headed to Sapporo from Yoichi Station.
In Sapporo, I also had a wonderful encounter connected by wine, and we are still in touch today.
I would go on to visit Niki Hills Winery once more in June after that.
Next time, I will be with the staff who encouraged me.
That story will be for next time.
I deliver wines I have selected as a sommelier via mail order. Please take a look if you would like.
https://prosperowine.base.shop