【Shiribeshi・Yoichi】Autumn Wine Recommendations from Hokkaido’s Otaru Hotel Bars & Lounges

Hokkaido is Japan’s third-largest wine-producing region after Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures.
The Shiribeshi region, centered around Yoichi, is particularly renowned as a “wine special zone” where nearly half of Hokkaido’s wineries are concentrated.
Alongside large, historic wineries, Shiribeshi is home to numerous small, distinctive wineries offering wines with diverse characteristics.
Wines crafted from Hokkaido’s Shiretoko grapes, nurtured by the rich natural land and delicious water at the foot of Mount Yotei—known as Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji)—are exquisite products you’ll want to savor at least once when visiting Hokkaido.

About Yoichi Town, Hokkaido

Yoichi Town, located at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula in western Hokkaido. Blessed with a relatively mild climate even for Hokkaido, it is known for thriving fruit cultivation, including cherries and apples. Surrounded by sea and mountains, this region’s rich natural environment produces high-quality wine year after year.

---

Recommended Wine #1
Domaine Takahiko

Located on a well-drained hill at an elevation of 60 meters in the Noboricho district of Yoichi Town, we operate a winery and vineyard, crafting wine with our own unique philosophy. We express our belief—“We aspire to be winemakers who make wine as quietly and diligently as possible”—through our wines.

■Flavor Characteristics
Characterized by wild yeast and whole-cluster fermentation, its color is pale, yet its long-lasting finish and umami-rich aroma captivate many.

---

Recommended Wine #2
Hokkaido Yoichi Town, Master Grape Grower Hideki Kitajima Kerner (Hokkaido Wine)

Hideki Kitajima is a winegrower dedicated to cultivating wine-specific grape varieties, growing only carefully selected varieties such as Zweigelt and Reben. His sincere approach and meticulous work have earned him the title of “Master Winegrower.”

■Flavor Characteristics
This is a crisp, authentic dry white wine that embodies the terroir of Kitajima Farm, featuring the characteristic fresh citrus and lily-like aromas of the Kerners grape variety, complemented by a refreshing acidity that creates a pleasant drinking experience.

---

Recommended Wine #3
l’Esprit Terre de Yoichi (Hirakawa Winery)

Hirakawa Winery’s defining characteristic is its commitment to expressing the unique terroir-driven flavors of each region, transcending varietal boundaries. By employing distinct winemaking methods for each plot and tank, they produce limited quantities of diverse wines.
After 12 years in France working in grape cultivation and winemaking at renowned wineries, and serving as a sommelier at high-end restaurants,
In 2014, he established an agricultural corporation in Yoichi Town, founding the winery the following year. He creates authentic wines that pursue gastronomy from the agricultural field.

■Flavor Characteristics
Deep garnet, with viscous legs. Dominated by black fruit aromas like black cherry, layered with a base of damp broadleaf forest, sweet spice, red rose, and tanned leather, followed by umami nuances reminiscent of matsutake mushrooms. Smooth on the palate with fine-grained tannins. The finish reveals a distinct, fresh acidity, supported by a gentle structure and a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.

---

Recommended Wine #4
Masanobu Tasaki Zweigelt & Pinot Noir 2021 (Hokkaido Wine)

Masanobu Tasaki began cultivating wine grapes in 1985 and is a grape grower who has made significant contributions to raising awareness and improving the quality of Hokkaido wine. As the “master of grape cultivation” for Hokkaido wine, his name has even been incorporated into wine labels.

■Flavor Characteristics
This wine is a blend of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir grapes. It features aromas of red fruits like cherries and strawberries, with a gentle mouthfeel and medium body.

---

At Captain’s Bar, the main bar of Acent Hotel Otaru, a special lineup of rare Shiribeshi wines—including Domaine Takahiko and other hard-to-find bottles from across Japan—is available for a limited time only.
Embark on a journey through Shiribeshi with each glass, like a cruise through wine country.
We invite you to savor these once-in-a-lifetime flavors.
※The “Shiribeshi Wine Cruise” will commence in October 2025.

At the Polestar Top Lounge of the Ousent Hotel Otaru, enjoy pairings of carefully selected wines from Shiribeshi and Yoichi with dishes featuring local Hokkaido ingredients.