On February 11, 2023. Sapporo City in Hokkaido was bustling with tourists as the Snow Festival was held for the first time in a long while.
Sayuri Arai (Representative of Hokkaido Wine Supporters) hosted the "Hokkaido Wine Festival 2023."
Twelve wineries from all over Hokkaido, along with bottles from other wineries unable to attend in person, gathered at the Tokyu REI Hotel in Susukino. Being held for the first time in three years due to the effects of COVID-19, the visitors were brimming with excited smiles.
In addition, cheese and bread producers, as well as hotel hors d'oeuvres made with carefully selected Hokkaido ingredients, added flair to the event.
Every winery had an exceptionally attractive lineup. Even so, it was natural to pay particular attention to Pinot Noir, one of the signature varieties of Hokkaido wine.
The Pinot Noir "Enishi" from "Le Rêve Winery," which has already become quite renowned, delivered its consistently delicious flavor.
Even with the same variety, the shop-exclusive Pinot Noir from "Infield Winery" in Kitami City displayed yet another unique flavor profile.
Other memorable wines included the Seyval from "Yukikawa Brewery" and the Blanc de Noirs from "Malo Wines," which was Ms. Arai's top recommendation.
With so many wines, naturally it was impossible to taste them all, but I wanted to buy and try every single one.
However, they were all limited in quantity, and unfortunately, most were already sold out... (sweat).
Even so, it was an event filled with the charm of Hokkaido wine that makes you want to learn more.
Since this was the final day of the Sapporo Snow Festival, I took the opportunity to take a brief stroll through it before the event.
Drinking Hokkaido wine in the midst of a snowy Sapporo winter felt exceptionally delicious.