​"Tokoname Winery Neighborhood" is located on a small hill in Tokoname overlooking vast fields and Ise Bay.

A vineyard, a winery, and a restaurant are all on the same site, making it a popular spot where you can casually enjoy locally-made wine and ingredients.

In fact, the owner, Noriyuki Baba, started this winery with zero capital and zero wine-making experience. What thoughts and feelings did he have in the process? In this article, we will introduce the appeal of the winery while delving into the history behind the establishment of the winery and its commitment to wine.

Wine made at Tokoname Winery

Inside the restaurant "Sunset Walkerhill"

Inspired by the Happy Scene he Saw in Oregon
He Decided to Start a Winery

Winery King Estate in Portland visited by Mr. Baba

Tokoname Winery was born when Mr. Baba happened to visit a winery during his trip to Oregon, USA.

A winery built on a small hill and a restaurant attached to it. Many people enjoyed wine and food there. Cuisine made with locally produced ingredients, wine made from local grapes, and happy laughing people surrounding them. Mr. Baba says that he was very moved by the space filled with happiness, like a scene from a movie.

“I definitely want to recreate this happy scene in Tokoname!”

Knowledge, Funds, Land, Everything Starts from Scratch

Mr. Baba, who doesn't usually drink alcohol, has no knowledge or experience in winemaking. For that reason, he repeatedly traveled to Oregon and asked domestic wineries to learn the know-how of brewing.

Also, at that time, he was doing other businesses in Tokoname, but he had to start by asking for loans because the funds were not abundant. He bowed his head to acquaintances, talked about his enthusiasm, searched for people who would provide capital, and sought investment from the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Growth Support Organization (A5).

Furthermore, the land that was rented was a wasteland that could hardly be called a farm. We developed it and planted grape saplings one by one.

The Key to Success was
"National Strategic Special Zone System"

Sunset Walkerhill, a restaurant attached to a winery

In order to realize the dream of "recreating the sights I saw in Oregon in Tokoname", not only the launch of the winery but also the "establishment of a restaurant in the winery" is an essential point.

However, the current legal system in Japan does not allow a restaurant to be built on the same site as a farm. The “National Strategic Special Zone System” was used to overcome this problem.

This system* was established with the aim of creating the "world's most business-friendly environment" by implementing the bold regulatory and institutional reforms necessary to realize growth strategies. By communicating directly with the government and conveying his passion, Mr. Baba's land was certified as a “National Strategic Special Zone” and was allowed to operate a wine farm, winery, and restaurant on the same site.

The murals of the winery are different on all four sides, and "HOPE" is drawn on the front left wall.

After overcoming various problems, in 2018, 10 years after the idea, the first wine was finally released as Tokoname Winery Neighborhood.

* Quoted from: Cabinet Office | National Strategic Special Zone "Overview of the System"
https://www.chisou.go.jp/tiiki/kokusentoc/kokkasenryakutoc.html

Commitment to Tokoname Wine

Wine is generally made in cool regions, but Tokoname Winery is rare in Japanese wine making, and it is produced in a warm area on the Pacific Ocean side. In addition to this climate, the grapes grown in the soil of Tokoname, which is also famous for Tokoname-yaki, are characterized by their strong acidity and plenty of umami.

The concept of Tokoname Winery is "wine that everyone can enjoy casually". For this reason, all wines are matured for about 3 months while paying attention to the taste and aroma that comes out of the nose, realizing a fresh and easy-to-drink taste.

Tokoname Winery Vineyard

Also, one of the attractions of wine is that the flavor changes greatly depending on various factors, such as the condition of the grapes, the length of time the juice is exposed to oxygen, and what kind of wine the maker wants to make. Since the taste changes every year, Tokoname Winery adjusts the aging period and tries new things in pursuit of even more delicious wine.

There are also Wines Aged in Tokoname-yaki Jars and Barrels

Stainless steel tank in the winery

At Tokoname Winery, most of the wine is brewed in stainless steel tanks. This is because the slenderness is used to create a wine that allows you to directly feel the freshness and taste of the grapes.

However, some wines are aged in large Tokoname-yaki jars or wooden barrels.

Amphora is a red wine brewed in Tokoname ware jars. It was just being bottled.

By resting it in a jar, it is easy to get a sense of aging, and the corners of the wine are removed, giving it a mellow taste. And by letting the wine rest in a wooden barrel, it becomes a wine with a good aroma of the barrel.

New barrels are more fragrant, and the brewing period is adjusted according to the age of the barrel.

This year, they started taking on the challenge of making wine that is aged in barrels. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will taste like.

Best Wine from Tokoname Winery

Wine made at Tokoname Winery

There are two major brands of wine brewed at Tokoname Winery. We will introduce you to our recommended wines.

・Neighborhood (Photo: 3 on the left)
Uses Tokoname grapes grown on our own farm. A series that directly expresses the terroir (regional characteristics) of this region, known for Tokoname ware (Tokoname-yaki), brewed with a single variety.

・Delivering Happiness (Photo: Right 4)
A series that aims to create innovative wines with Tokoname Winery's company motto, "Delivering Happiness" in mind. It mainly uses grapes from Aichi Prefecture, such as Obu City and Toyota City. Tokoname Winery's winemakers challenge new possibilities of wine.

・Tokoname Chardonnay 2022 (Photo: Center)
It is characterized by a lime-like earthiness and acidity that directly reflects the climate of Tokoname. You can feel the umami of grapes in a fruity aroma with earthy flavors and a crisp, sharp taste.

・Tokoname Pinot Blanc 2021 (Photo: right)
It has a gentle acidity and a mellow taste, and is characterized by aromas of green apples, pears, and citrus fruits. It's a refreshing wine that doesn't get tired of drinking in a straight style.

・ Ruby Tuesday (Rose) (Photo: Left)
A blend of Chardonnay from Obu, Aichi Prefecture and Cabernet Sauvignon from Kobe. You can feel the fruity scent of apples and bananas, and it is characterized by a refreshing aftertaste with a rich yet sour and fruity taste.

・Delaware 2021 (Orange Wine) (Photo: 2nd from left)
Tokoname Winery's first orange wine using Delaware from Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Because it uses Delaware, which is picked early and is full of acidity, it has a firm acidity and freshness. At the same time, it also has a gentle citrus flavor.

Enjoy Dishes Made with Local Ingredients
​
Restaurant "Sunset Walkerhill"

"Sunset Walkerhill" attached to Tokoname Winery is an American-style farmhouse restaurant. You can enjoy American cuisine made with local ingredients, such as vegetables grown on the Chita Peninsula and Chita's brand beef, Chita Beef.

The spacious interior can be used for a wide range of occasions, such as dates, family outings, and group trips.

In the back of the store, you can find various miscellaneous goods such as shirts and Tokoname pottery cups.

Of course, you can also purchase wine as a souvenir!

Chita beef steak lunch ¥3,300 (tax included)

A popular menu item at Sunset Walkerhill is the Chita Beef Steak Lunch. You can enjoy half a pound (225g) of high-quality Chita beef steak, and it comes with salad, soup, bread or rice, dessert, and even a soft drink!

Chita beef roast beef power salad lunch ¥ 1,980 (tax included)

We also recommend the Chita Beef Roast Beef Power Salad Lunch, which uses Chita beef and locally grown vegetables.

4 types of wine comparison set ¥ 1,650 (tax included)

If you would like to taste a variety of wines made at Tokoname Winery, try the "Wine 4 Types Comparison Set" where you can choose 4 brands from the wine list and taste them. There are many ways to enjoy wine, such as feeling the difference in flavor, finding wines that suit your taste, and trying pairings with food.

Terrace seating with a beautiful view

In addition, as the name suggests, Sunset Walkerhill is located in a location where you can see the beautiful sunset. You can enjoy a large panorama of the blue sea and idyllic rural scenery in the daytime, and the sunset over Ise Bay in the evening and the scenery dyed in orange.

There is also a tour that includes a winery tour, Chita beef steak lunch, and wine tasting!

Tokoname Winery offers winery tours, dining at "Sunset Walkerhill" (Chita Beef Steak LUNCH or DINNER), and a tour where you can enjoy four wine tastings at once.

This is a project where you can deepen your understanding of Tokoname Winery while having fun, as well as stories that you would not normally hear, such as the commitment and history of Tokoname Winery.
Advance reservations are required, so please check the official website for details.

A Happy Time and Space Surrounding Wine as a Culture
Tokoname Winery

Winery mural. What is the Native American looking at while riding a wave of wine, holding a wine glass?

Tokoname Winery was founded by the owner Mr. Baba with a strong passion to reproduce the happy space he saw in Oregon. Even now that wineries and restaurants are on track, the American style of enjoying wine casually remains unchanged.

In the future, it seems that wine will be brewed not only in Tokoname but also in Nagoya City. Currently, they are preparing for the release of "Nagoya Wine", which is made from grapes grown in Nagoya City.

Located near Endoji shopping arcade in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City, the brewery will be newly opened on the first floor of the restaurant "commone wine & eats", which is directly managed by Tokoname Winery.

"Commone wine&eats" that pursues the marriage of Tokoname wine and food in Endoji

Endoji Shopping Street is a mix of shops that retain the atmosphere of the Showa era and makes you feel nostalgic, and bars and restaurants that match the current era. In July 2021, "commone", a wine bar that anyone can casually enjoy, opened in the immediate vicinity of this shopping street. There are only 3 wai in Aichi Prefecture...

2021.10.29

https://life-designs.jp