Ushiku City in Ibaraki Prefecture has established the "ワインのまちづくり推進事業" to comprehensively support winemaking.
Among the total support measures, particularly notable is the generous financial assistance provided to individuals and corporations establishing a new winery within the city, covering up to two-thirds of eligible expenses with a maximum subsidy of 10 million yen.
A noteworthy new project is launching in which Ushiku City provides total support for winemaking.
Aiming to establish the "ワイン産地・牛久"
Ushiku City's "ワインのまちづくり推進事業" was established with the goal of establishing the "ワイン産地・牛久".
Speaking of Ushiku City, the "牛久シャトー" established by Denbei Kamiya in 1903 is famous, but the wine industry itself is Ushiku's origin and can be called the town's identity.
This initiative aims to link these historical resources to modern industrial promotion, expanding the production of wine made in Ushiku City and establishing the "ワイン産地・牛久".
Two key points of the initiative
Here are the two major points of the initiative.
- POINT ① Total Support
Comprehensive support from "学ぶ" to "selling and enjoying."
From human resource development through ワインアカデミー, farmland mediation, grape cultivation support, contract winemaking, winery establishment, and sales at 牛久シャトー, to events and wine tourism, it seamlessly supports entry into and growth within the wine industry.
- POINT ② Up to 10 million yen
To strongly back the establishment of winery and produce wine made in Ushiku City, a subsidy of up to 10 million yen is provided when setting up a new winery within the city. (Up to 2/3 of eligible expenses such as new construction/renovation of buildings and winemaking equipment.)
Furthermore, depending on the scale required, the city plans to apply to the national government for designation as a Special Wine Zone to lower the minimum annual production requirement for fruit wine from 6 kL to 2 kL, thereby supporting the startup of small-scale winery.
Starting with "学ぶ"! About the ワインアカデミー
One of the primary support measures in this project to pay attention to is the "ワインアカデミー".
It is a "place to learn about wine," opened to systematically 学ぶ cultivation, winemaking, sales, and tourism.
It is organized by the Wine Culture Japan Heritage Council, comprising Ushiku City and 甲州 City, with the learning location being the famous 牛久シャトー.
Currently, the second term of ワインアカデミー has started, with 20 participants including those aiming to establish a winery, those who already own a vineyard, those managing a winery, and those wishing to deepen their knowledge of wine.
They will spend valuable time together until March 6, 2027.
Here is the greatest appeal of the academy.
- An attractive curriculum and instructor lineup
- Practical learning across winemaking × history and culture × business
Furthermore, the entire academy is supervised by Mitsuhiro Anzo, an Ibaraki Ambassador.
The academy, spanning 23 sessions in total, begins with "ワイン概論／ワインづくりの考え方" by Mr. Anzo and features a luxurious relay-style format presented by experts across various wine-related fields.
In addition, the lectures are structured to deepen understanding by offering hands-on training in actual vineyards and wineries (including actual winemaking) after acquiring knowledge through classroom lectures.
What is even more unique is that participants can learn wine sales and marketing directly from experts.
The course taught by Tetsutaro Murata, renowned as a professional in management turnaround and marketing in the alcoholic beverage industry, is a must-see even for those currently running a winery.
This meaningful academy satisfies anyone who wants to be involved with wine, whether they want to learn about wine, work at or establish a winery, or study wine business to improve winery management.
It marks the first step in the project's "学ぶ・育てる・醸す・つくる・売る・楽しむ". Starting here would be a great first step.
Making Ushiku a "ワインのまち" once again!
Here are the six support pillars of "学ぶ・育てる・醸す・つくる・売る・楽しむ" under Ushiku City's "ワインのまちづくり推進事業":
- ① 学ぶ: Systematically 学ぶ cultivation, winemaking, sales, and tourism at ワインアカデミー
- ② Grow: Support initial investments such as farmland mediation, seedlings, trellises, and rain protection equipment
- ③ Brew: Support expenses for contract winemaking using locally grown grapes
- ④ Build: Support new winery establishment up to 2/3 of expenses, with a maximum of 10 million yen
- ⑤ Sell: Expand sales channels through offerings at 牛久シャトー, exhibitions, events, etc.
- ⑥ Enjoy: Expand into tourism through wine events, winery tours, hands-on programs, etc.
The policy target of the new project is "doubling the production volume of wine made in Ushiku City and the cultivated area of wine grapes within five years."
This offers exceptionally generous support for those aspiring to open a winery or considering entering agriculture.
Currently, Ibaraki Wine is gaining momentum, ranking 6th nationwide in the number of winery. Moreover, it is home to 牛久シャトー, Japan's first large-scale Western-style wine facility.
For anyone considering winemaking in Japan, this presents a highly meaningful stage.
Why not aim to become a key player who not only "builds," but also carries the history and culture of Japanese wine to revive the region of Ushiku as a "ワインのまち"?
Reference
Ushiku City Environmental & Economic Department, Agricultural Policy Division
TEL: 029-873-2111 E-mail:nousei@city.ushiku.ibaraki.jp