Hello, everyone.
It has already been 20 years—or has it?—since I began wholeheartedly supporting Hokkaido wine.
I’m Sayuri Arai of the Hokkaido Wine Supporters.
This year, Hokkaido once again felt like the old days, when it suddenly turns cool after Obon. The mornings and evenings became chilly, and it felt as if autumn arrived in no time.
Is the idea that harvest does not begin until September already a thing of the past?
The 2026 vintage is underway, with early-ripening varieties, including grapes for sparkling wine, already being harvested.
Now, on to my summer report.
It was a summer when disasters—perhaps linked to climate change—struck many parts of Japan.
Even in Hokkaido, unpredictable weather, difficult timing for vineyard protection, and high humidity led to more disease in the vineyards than usual.
Even so, summer also brought a variety of events.
Of those, here is one event I especially hope anyone who has never been will join next year!
“Niki Wiling Walk Fest,” an event where you walk among the wineries of Niki and enjoy food-and-wine pairings.
And this is “Sorachi Wine Unity.”
With a different approach from the former festival, it is a chance to enjoy time together with wineries from the Sorachi area.
It is also the season when Véraison hosts a variety of events.
At the “Hokkaido Wine Festival,” held in summer and winter, many people who are still preparing to open their wineries also take part.
It is a chance to discover future wineries ahead of everyone else. (The next event is planned for January 2027.)
Then there are the Véraison excursions.
This time we visited wineries in the Hakodate area, and in the evening everyone gathered at the restaurant at de Montille Hokkaido.
Spending time with the winemakers was pure bliss.
Guiding visitors to wineries is also an important activity of the Hokkaido Wine Supporters.
We visit a variety of wineries, guiding groups of around 30 wine-school students as well as small parties. (Please contact us for inquiries.)
TV Hokkaido has also begun filming this year’s edition of its program “LOVEWINE HOKKAIDO.”
It will air twice, on Sunday, October 25 and Sunday, November 1.
https://www.tv-hokkaido.co.jp/special/love_wine_hokkaido/
Because it is a Hokkaido broadcaster, the program will be available on YouTube after airing.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJZv0z9jOOvka6yE8uBNJCFb6AZDF9_T
You can find information on various events here.
https://r.goope.jp/dosanwine/
October is right in the middle of harvest season in Hokkaido.
If you come to Hokkaido, please be sure to stop by Véraison as well.
We have some special wines waiting for you!
And there are more events coming up.
October 2 (Fri): enjoying Hokkaido wine in Sendai.
https://r.goope.jp/dosanwine/reservation/event/detail/39751
October 9 (Fri)–10 (Sat)
We will be visiting “Sumiyoshi” and “Ryokawa” in Kyoto.
【Sumiyoshi】 (reservations recommended / à la carte service)
You can casually enjoy anything from a single glass and one dish.
- Hours: 16:00–22:00 (last food order 21:00)
【Ryokawa】 (reservation required / special-course menu)
October 11 (Sun): Japanese wine in Osaka (with plenty from Hokkaido, lol)
We’ll enjoy Hokkaido wine around the Namba area.
https://r.goope.jp/dosanwine/reservation/event/detail/39986
October 16 (Fri): Hokkaido Wine Culture Salon vol. 4
We’ll build Hokkaido’s wine culture together.
https://r.goope.jp/dosanwine/reservation/event/detail/39849
There is only a little time left until harvest. May we have good grapes again this year and make delicious wine.
