Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands and is known for its cool climate and stunning natural beauty. The island is home to a small but growing wine industry, with a focus on cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zweigelt. The history of wine production in Hokkaido dates back to the late 19th century, when the first vineyards were planted by European settlers. However, it was not until the 1970s that the industry began to develop in earnest, with the establishment of several pioneering wineries.

The main grape varieties grown in Hokkaido are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zweigelt, Kerner, and Müller-Thurgau. These grapes are well-suited to the cool climate of the island, and are used to produce a range of still and sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is particularly well-regarded, with some producers creating elegant and complex wines that rival those from other cool-climate regions such as Burgundy and Oregon.

The main grape varieties grown in Hokkaido are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zweigelt, Kerner, and Müller-Thurgau. These grapes are well-suited to the cool climate of the island, and are used to produce a range of still and sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is particularly well-regarded, with some producers creating elegant and complex wines that rival those from other cool-climate regions such as Burgundy and Oregon.

Hokkaido's wine industry flourishes despite its cold climate, producing unique ice wines. Kerner, a signature grape, thrives here, introduced by the Ainu people. Its name derives from Dr. Julius Kerner, a German vine researcher.