Hokkaido is known far and wide for its snow, scenery and food; in recent years, though, it’s built an international reputation for its spectacular wine. As temperatures increase worldwide, Japan’s northern island is welcoming a culture of viticulture, inviting trippers both domestic and international to enjoy its green and purple charms. For wine lovers, it’s an enticing hidden gem: slightly off the beaten track, but with a worldwide reputation for excellence.
With its low humidity and large temperature fluctuations between night and day, Hokkaido provides an ideal setting for producing grapes with high sugar content. It’s long been one of Japan’s leading wine grape producing regions, boasting dozens of vineyards spread through its mountains and rolling hills. Now, its distinct wine culture — Hokkaido wine is said to pair especially well with seafood — and high-quality products are attracting international attention.
With Hokkaido wines’ star on the rise, wine tourism has become a flourishing industry on the island for both domestic and international visitors, who are drawn in by the combination of beautiful landscapes, high-quality wines and rich cultural experiences available here. Many wineries offer guided tours of their vineyards that include explanations of the winemaking process and tastings, and there are ample opportunities to buy local wines as gifts, souvenirs or a personal treat to savor later. For connoisseurs, enthusiasts and travelers looking to.