Genki Iwasaki has been contributing to the promotion and development of Japanese wine, including organizing the first Japanese-wine tasting event in France.
(See the article below for more details.)
RELATED STORY栃木市初のワイナリー構想が栃木市主催のビジネスコンテストで最優秀賞を獲得！キーマンとなる岩﨑元気氏とは！？As a winemaker, he trained for seven years in Burgundy and earned the French national qualification of oenologist.
While in France, he also gained hands-on experience at estates including Prieuré Roch and Armand Rousseau.
After returning to Japan in July 2024, he began making wine in his hometown, in the historic Ohira-machi grape-growing district on the southern foothills of Mt. Teruishi, using Muscat Bailey A purchased from local growers.
His long-awaited first vintage has now finally been released.
A wine release party will be held in his hometown of Tochigi City on Sunday, May 25!
Anyone who loves wine is welcome.
Over a glass of wine, guests may also hear about Iwasaki’s experiences in France, the differences between winemaking in France and Japan, and his plans for the future.
Why not join the celebration for the release of this much-anticipated first vintage?
May 25 Release Party Overview
Venue: Wine Shokudo Sauvage, Tochigi City
https://g.co/kgs/zHR3Esy
Access: 18 minutes on foot or by taxi from Tochigi Station (JR/Tobu) or Shin-Tochigi Station (Tobu)
Session 1: 11:30 (full) / Session 2: 18:00 (seats available)
Both sessions are standing receptions.
Fee: ¥15,000 per person
Plenty of wine will be served, including “Genki Iwasaki Muscat Bailey A 2024” and rare Burgundy wines selected by Iwasaki.
Reservations and inquiries:
Wine Shokudo Sauvage: 090-6144-0352
Genki Iwasaki: genki.motoki.wine@gmail.com
Or use this URL, which is also the wine-order form: https://forms.gle/ednep2ajDgJnS67U6
Genki Iwasaki’s Comments on the Wine
2024 was extremely hot. In August, when Muscat Bailey A reached véraison, monthly rainfall reached 352 mm, making grape ripening very difficult. The weather recovered in September, but sugar levels did not rise sufficiently and coloration remained inadequate. To avoid a further drop in acidity as well as damage from wildlife, birds, and disease, we harvested on September 27 and October 1.
It was not an easy first vintage in Japan, but it revealed many issues to address from the following year onward, and I have already prepared several solutions for improving quality. Please enjoy this fresh and fruity wine that conveys the blessings of Mt. Teruishi.
Only a few places remain for the party.
The first session is full, while the second still has some seats available.
If you are interested, please act quickly!