Summer Topics from Hokkaido
Hello everyone.
Could it be that I've already been supporting Hokkaido wines with all my heart for 20 years??
I'm Sayuri Arai from the Hokkaido Wine Cheer Squad.
With the climate changing year by year, Hokkaido has been experiencing an unprecedented stretch of exceptionally hot days this year.
While the temperatures might be lower than outside Hokkaido, the humidity is simply incredible💦
I returned from Yamanashi just yesterday, and Hokkaido's humidity is so intense that the outdoor breeze in Yamanashi felt cooler, leaving me sweating even on the trains here.
In the vineyards, both new shoots and weeds are growing rapidly, and because working during the scorching daytime is tough on the body, we work while taking frequent breaks.
As a result, it is often difficult to secure enough working hours to keep up with the tasks.
Right now is the time when veraison (grape color change) is coming to an end, but "bird damage" reminiscent of the nightmare of 2023 is beginning to emerge.
In some locations, setting up bird netting has already added an extra layer of work.
About Wine Events in Hokkaido
At this time of year before the harvest, Hokkaido is packed with wine events almost every week.
In various regions, there are events where you can visit vineyards and enjoy wine at wineries, events where you can enjoy music on hotel rooftops, and gatherings bringing together wineries from across Hokkaido; these events will continue right up until the autumn harvest.
Amidst all this, the public tasting of the "Japan Wine Competition" (Japanese wine competition) was held after a long hiatus!
With renewed content starting this year, wine lovers gathered in scorching Kofu City. Numerous wines from Hokkaido wineries also won awards, making Team Hokkaido beam with pride♡
With new wineries opening cellar doors and starting vineyard land clearing, Hokkaido's momentum and excitement continue to build this year.
When you visit Hokkaido, please do stop by Veraison, which serves as a sort of information center (^^)/
Monthly Makers Party!
On Friday, September 19th, Yukigawa Winery from Higashikawa Town will be joining us.
About "LOVE WINE HOKKAIDO"
And it will be on air again this year.
"LOVE WINE HOKKAIDO"
It is a wine program that I have had the privilege to participate in since the planning stage.
Although it is a local Hokkaido station, it can also be viewed on YouTube after the broadcast.
LOVE WINE HOKKAIDO : TVh Television Hokkaido
This time, Memuro Winery and Yukigawa Winery will make an appearance.
With just a little time left until harvest, I hope we harvest good grapes again this year and make delicious wines.