Hakkenzan Winery

Founded in 2011 at the foot of Mount Hakkenzan in Sapporo's Minami Ward, Hakkenzan Winery grew out of a local revitalization project after its founder, a geologist by training, identified the gravelly, well-drained soil of this former alluvial fan as ideal for grape growing. The winery cultivates more than 25 grape varieties — including Cabernet Franc, Zweigelt, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris — on stony, mineral-rich vineyards shaped by ancient volcanic activity, and supplements its own fruit with grapes from local Hokkaido farmers. Wines are made with careful varietal selection and meticulous fermentation, and the winery has developed CuVT, a proprietary concentration technique adapted from food-processing equipment that produces sweet wines without artificial freezing. Alongside its cellar, Hakkenzan operates a marché, kitchen and campsite, functioning as a 'sixth-industry' hub connecting Sapporo's terroir, agriculture and tourism.