Hokkaido Wines: The Current Buzz

In recent years, Hokkaido has seen a rapid opening of many new wineries, with up-and-coming winemakers producing excellent wines. In 1996, there were only 8 wineries in Hokkaido. Now, there are as many as 33. Hokkaido wines are becoming increasingly delicious, with some winning international awards and wineries like Domaine Takahiko

receiving top-class recognition in Japan. This is attributed to climate change making the region warmer, leading to better quality grapes, Hokkaido's growing reputation as a winemaking region, and the influx of talented winemakers.

Among Japanese wine connoisseurs and the wine industry, Hokkaido wines are currently the most highly anticipated. Head to Yoichi for a Must-Have, Elusive Wine!Amidst this, in 2016, another new winery was born in Hokkaido: "Domaine Mont." Owner Atsuo Yamanaka became independent after training for two years at Domaine Takahiko, which is highly acclaimed in Japan. Last year, he released his first vintage, a white wine called "Domaine Mont Mont Pê 2016." The grape varietal ratio (known as cépage) is primarily Niagara, with European varieties like Bacchus and Kerner. All grapes are 100% Hokkaido-grown, specifically from Yoichi, cultivated by local farmers. Yamanaka eventually plans to cultivate all grapes in his own fields for winemaking, rather than purchasing from farmers. Yamanaka's winemaking is a testament to his dedication. Fermentation uses only the natural yeasts present on the grapes, with no additives like antioxidants. Furthermore, the wine is not filtered when bottled from the barrel, allowing for slight in-bottle fermentation, resulting in a subtle effervescence. The aroma is subdued, making it a good match for various Japanese dishes. As I saw it in newspapers and on TV, even I, not a wine expert, thought it looked incredibly delicious... I definitely wanted to buy it! However, being the first vintage, only 2,700 bottles were produced. It's being sold not just in Hokkaido but at liquor stores nationwide, so competition is likely fierce. This type of wine tends to sell out instantly in big cities like Sapporo, so there's a higher chance of finding it in stock in rural areas. So, on December 9th, the first day of sales, I decided to head to Nakane Sake Shop, a local liquor store in Yoichi Town, Hokkaido, believing that competition there wouldn't be as intense and I could surely buy it! This liquor store also handles rare wines like the previously mentioned Domaine Takahiko, and it's well-known among locals in Yoichi. Of course, I rented a car from SAPPORO RENTA LEASE for the trip lol. It's a short trip of about 50km one way, taking about an hour. The shortest route from Sapporo is via the expressway, passing through Otaru City to Yoichi Town.

Here I go! Unlike some copycat media, I'm really going! I started a bit late from Sapporo Station at 3 PM that day. The weather was good, and being a weekday, traffic flowed smoothly like summer. After a quick 30 minutes, I got on the Sapporo-Kita Interchange.

Smooth sailing... By the way, did you know that if you have an accident with a rental car, insurance doesn't always cover everything? While vehicle damage is usually covered by car insurance, there's an excess (deductible) and you also have to pay a "Non-Operation Charge (NOC)." This system compensates for the loss of earnings when the car cannot be rented due to damage. The cost varies depending on the situation, but it's a minimum of 20,000 yen in addition to your deductible. This is quite common even with major rental companies. If I may say so myself, SAPPORO RENTA LEASE's rental cars come with an insurance option called the "Complete Protection Plan," which astonishingly covers the entire "Non-Operation Charge (NOC)," making it a truly zero self-payment service. Please take a look here. Complete Protection Plan | SAPPORO RENTA LEASE The Complete Protection Plan is an optional service that provides peace of mind by adding NOC payment coverage to the existing deductible compensation system in the event of an accident. For a small premium, you won't have to pay the deductible or NOC in the event of an accident. A small guarantee provides great peace of mind. And so, after about an hour of driving, Otaru IC came into view. Otaru Canal is on the right, but I'm pressing on to Yoichi. Domaine Mont, Domaine Mont... Charming Otaru buildings appear on the left, but I'm ignoring them and heading straight for Yoichi. Domaine Mont, Domaine Mont... Alright, 20 kilometers left. Almost there, Domaine Mont, Domaine Mont... After passing Otaru, the Sea of Japan appeared on the right. Just a little further. The Sea of Japan is very calm today. Almost there, Doraemon... Safely entered Yoichi Town! Wait for me, Doraemon! Two hours from Sapporo, yay! Successfully arrived at Nakane Sake Shop in Yoichi Town! Stepping inside the store... there it was! Doraemon was there!! (Am I being persistent?) Success! Rare Wine GET! The price was a very reasonable 1,800 yen. However, these rare wines usually have purchase restrictions, limiting one bottle per person. So, when buying, it's best to go with as many people as possible. By the way, I once really wanted another bottle of a similar rare wine, so I approached a stranger in front of the liquor store, explained the situation, and had them buy it for me. Of course, I paid for it (obviously). Watch out for black ice on the way back! A quick stop in Otaru On the way back, I stopped by Otaru because the "Otaru Snow Story" event was happening. The Otaru Canal was very romantic. I had to take some photos! Otaru Snow Story

Otaru Canal has a pier and a "Canal Cruise," and surprisingly, you can ride boats even in winter! I'm a local Hokkaido resident, but I didn't know that. There are quite a few foreign visitors too. With no wind today, it's perfect! I'd love to try this next time.

New Standard for Otaru Sightseeing - Otaru Canal Cruise A new standard for Otaru sightseeing! This new 40-minute activity explores the canal and port by boat. Departures and arrivals are at Chuo Bridge, convenient for Otaru sightseeing. Perfect for a day trip from Sapporo. Enjoying with the meal ♪ Well, I successfully got the wine. SAPPORO RENTA LEASE's car also did its best. Yes, that's right, this article is written by us, SAPPORO RENTA LEASE. Please give us your patronage. After returning home, I gazed at the wine I successfully acquired. It was worth the effort. Now, how shall I enjoy it? After much thought, since I went all the way to buy this wine, I put in a little effort and made scallop tartare on baguette, quinoa, avocado, and paprika salad, mushroom ajillo, beef stew, and crab claws!

As seen in the glass, it has a slightly orange hue, and it paired wonderfully not only with scallops and crab but also complemented the beef stew perfectly. Each sip felt like a palate cleanse. I'm not very knowledgeable about wine, but it has a deep, mellow, and gentle deliciousness. I'm glad I went.

Ah, I'm glad to be alive. Perks of the job, perks of the job.