Organized by Hokkaido, the "Hokkaido Food and Wine Future Development Meeting: Hokkaido Wine and Food Exhibition and Business Meeting 2024" took place on Monday, February 5, at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
Although Tokyo was hit by the heaviest snowfall of the year that day, about 200 industry professionals—including liquor buyers, sommeliers, media representatives, and restaurant/retail companies—attended the event.
23 popular wineries exhibited! Along with other appealing Hokkaido ingredients
Hokkaido wine has recently been attracting tremendous attention nationwide.
The number of wineries continues to rise steadily, with 62 wineries featured in the "Hokkaido Winery Guide" published in February 2024.
Among them, 23 wineries exhibited on this occasion. In addition, there were numerous enticing food booths featuring Hokkaido cheeses, distinctive dried seafood, smoked delicacies, and more.
In addition, authentic dishes, centered on French cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Fukuda of Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel using Hokkaido ingredients, were served, and attendees seemed to enjoy their wine tastings even more.
It was a luxurious lineup allowing guests to savor an abundance of Hokkaido from appetizers to dessert, featuring Takikawa brown-eared bulbul, roasted Suffolk lamb from Chitose, and potatoes used in the Dauphinois garnish sourced from Assabu, among others.
Being able to taste wine alongside such authentic cuisine provides a great reference point for industry professionals when selecting wines.
Hokkaido Wine Seminar by Masahisa Abe of Hokkaido Wine Cluster
In this advance-reservation seminar, participants were able to learn about the current state of Hokkaido wine.
According to Mr. Abe, "It has been nearly 150 years since authentic wine began to be made. Japanese wine as a whole will surely see even greater momentum. In addition, while 'Yamasachi' has been recognized by the OIV, wild grape varieties such as 'Furano 2' are also becoming increasingly interesting."
And regarding the eagerly anticipated 2023 vintage in Hokkaido:
On this matter, he stated: "It was the year most affected by global warming to date. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah can now be cultivated in Yoichi and Furano. Currently, Hokkaido spans Regions 1 to 2, and varieties such as Bacchus have already become difficult in Yoichi.
Climate change has both positive and negative effects; because grapes are ripening earlier, bird damage has recently become a serious issue."
With overseas producers and entrants from different industries making moves into Hokkaido,
this event was a wonderful opportunity to reconfirm that it is a production region demanding even greater attention.
