Japan’s Burgeoning Viticulture: Legendary Wine Region Burgundy and Rising Star Yoichi Team Up

Mayor Saitō Keisuke of Yoichi, Hokkaidō (right) and Mayor Christophe Lucand of Gevrey Chambertin at the signing of their “wine accord” on February 8, 2025. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)

Soga Takahiko founded his winery in Yoichi in 2010 and has come to be a leading figure in regional wine making. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)

Local media, producers, and lovers from Japan and France both attended the Gevrey Chambertin hosted cross-country wine symposium. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)

Takamatsu Tōru explaining Japanese wine at the Master Class, along with the list of wine tasted during the class. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)

Domaine Takahiko Soga’s Yoichi-made Nanatsumori Pinot Noir (left), which sparked Japanese wine’s sudden international rise; a Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru submitted for the Master Class by influential Gevrey Chambertin winery Domaine Drouhin-Laroze. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)

Etienne de Montille discussing de Montille and Hokkaidō project’s Surprise 2019. (© Ukita Yasuyuki)