On Thursday, August 11, 2022, Kawaguchiko's first winery, "7c | seven cedars winery," officially launched.
A new initiative unique to a "small winery" has begun, directly expressing human connections, the passion of craftspeople, and the charms of the local terroir through winemaking.
Let us take a closer look at the details.
Background Behind the Establishment of "7c | seven cedars winery"
Yamanashi Prefecture is renowned by all as a "wine kingdom."
Amid the ongoing expansion of the Japanese wine boom in recent years, "7c | seven cedars winery" was established as the very first winery in Fujikawaguchiko Town, located in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji, where there were previously no neighboring wineries.
While typical wineries tend to focus attention on the "winemaker" as the creator, this winery aims to craft wine that shines a spotlight on the grape growers.
By developing a vertically integrated "sixth sector industrialization" combining agriculture (primary industry), alcoholic beverage manufacturing (secondary industry), and alcoholic beverage sales (tertiary industry), it was established with the hope of fostering new connections in Fujikawaguchiko Town and helping revitalize the local community.
A Winery That Turns the Entire Farmer "Wholesale" into Wine
"7c | seven cedars winery" is an unprecedented winery brought to life through the intertwining of grape growers, efforts to protect the region and farmland, sellers, the winemaking team, and countless connections and aspirations.
Based on the concept of leveraging the individuality of each grape grower and turning the farmer "wholesale" into wine, the winemaking team, which knows the farmers intimately and has continually observed the growers' grapes, seeks to shape a new form of winery.
Incidentally, "7c | seven cedars winery" started with a winemaking team formed by "12 farmers" and "winemaker Hiroko Takano."
To create wine with these "12 farmers" and turn each farmer "wholesale" into wine, they have set forth the following three principles:
- Properly observe the grapes
- Strive to grasp, bring out, and utilize the finest qualities of the grapes
- Discover the appropriate method of winemaking
We can look forward to the birth of appealing wines created through a united team comprising the land and everyone involved in winemaking.
High Hopes for Kawaguchiko Wine!
The Kawaguchiko area in Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan's premier tourist destinations.
However, surprisingly little was heard about wine produced in Kawaguchiko, and many Japanese wine enthusiasts may have wondered when one would finally appear.
Against this backdrop, "7c | seven cedars winery" has finally launched.
They are reportedly aiming to release their first vintage around early 2023 (after the turn of the new year).
We cannot help but look forward with excitement to see what kind of wines they will produce from here on.
Details
Facility Name: 7c | seven cedars winery
Location: 513-5 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00 – 16:00 (Only the terrace in front of the winery is open)
*Tours are generally not offered, but inquiries can be made by advance reservation.
Site Area: 996 m² (301 tsubo)
Building Area: 533 m² (161 tsubo)