Over the three days from March 24 to 26, 2023, "Fall in Love and Be Thrilled by Wine" was held in Okayama for the first time in four years.
Wineries from all over Japan participated
Wineries from across Japan gathered in large numbers at the convention center in front of Okayama Station.
Visitors from not only local Okayama but from all over Japan enjoyed the wines.
In addition, restaurants, mainly local ones, also opened booths at the same time. It turned out to be an event where guests could thoroughly enjoy delicious food as well.
A special three days packed with stage events and a talk show (by Matt).
◆ NIKI Hills Winery (Hokkaido)
◆ Coco Farm & Winery (Tochigi)
◆ Fermier (Niigata)
◆ Le Cinq Winery (Niigata)
◆ Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery (Yamanashi)
◆ Mars Hosaka Winery (Yamanashi)
◆ Izutsu Winery (Nagano)
◆ Suntory Shiojiri Winery (Nagano)
◆ Hasumi Farm & Winery (Nagano)
◆ Tamba Wine (Kyoto)
◆ Shimanouchi Fujimaru Winery (Osaka)
◆ Hojo Wine (Tottori)
◆ Sera Winery (Hiroshima)
◆ Omishima Minna-no Winery (Ehime)
◆ Ajimu Budoushu Koubou (Oita)
◆ Riku-Ebi JAPAN (Okayama)
◆ Okayama Wine Valley (Okayama)
◆ Kurokamiyama Vineyards (Okayama)
◆ Sapporo Breweries Okayama Winery (Okayama)
◆ domaine tetta (Okayama)
◆ Noumaru Engei Strawberry Wine (Okayama)
◆ Hiruzen Winery (Okayama)
◆ La Grande Colline Japon (Okayama)
◆ (Imports)
An event I loved back when I worked at a winery, "Fall in Love and Be Thrilled by Wine," which I used to enjoy taking part in, has returned.
As a major event held for the first time in a while where people could spend time without masks, both exhibitors and visitors enjoyed days filled with smiles.
I take my hat off to the efforts of the organizer, the "Fall in Love and Be Thrilled by Wine in Okayama Executive Committee," as well as all the sponsors, supporters, and cooperating companies.
Moreover, the participating winery lineup was incredibly rich, stretching from Hokkaido in the north to Oita in the south! According to the organizer, Mr. Haruki, several wineries that wish to participate next time also came to check it out.
(Which means it is scheduled to be held again next year, and even more wineries will participate, right?)
Every winery offered a very attractive lineup, and what's more, visitors could buy bottles of the wines they tasted and enjoyed.
Among them, La Grande Colline Japon, which only took part on the first day, was immensely popular. Apparently, the wine they prepared ran out within 30 minutes of the start.
Okayama's wine culture is incredible. And to be continued next time, the opening and evolution of wineries in Okayama are amazing as well!
Interview with Mr. Ooka of La Grande Colline Japon
Thanks to the organizer Mr. Haruki's kind consideration, I was able to interview Mr. Ooka.
(Even though he was only at the venue for two hours, he spoke with me for 30 minutes.)
I am currently reading a book related to Mr. Ooka, and I will post about it, including my impressions, next time.
Text: Masafumi Nishiura
NIHON WINE.JP ★ Chief Coordinator ★
Vin Japonais ★ Special Advisor ★
Executive Partner, CruX Co., Ltd., operator of this site