What is the 'Shibare-zukuri' method used to make this wine?

'Shibare-zukuri' means 'frozen-made': harvested Niagara grapes are left to freeze naturally outdoors in Hokkaido's severe winter cold, then pressed while still frozen so only the concentrated, sugar-rich juice released as they thaw is used — a process similar in principle to how ice wine is made.

How is this different from Hakodate Winery's other Niagara wines?

Hakodate Winery also makes 'Hokkaido 100 Niagara' and 'Additive-free Niagara', both made by conventional pressing of fresh, unfrozen grapes. Niagara Shibare-zukuri is a separate, small-batch dessert wine made by freeze-pressing, giving it a much more concentrated sweetness and aroma than either of those bottlings.

What does Niagara Shibare-zukuri taste like?

It has an intensely aromatic, musky-grape and honeyed character with luscious sweetness balanced by bright, refreshing acidity — a rich dessert wine rather than a table wine.

What is the ideal serving temperature?

Serve well-chilled, around 7-10°C, to keep the sweetness balanced with crisp acidity.

CuvéeHakodateWhiteSweet

Niagara Shibare-zukuri

ナイアガラしばれづくり

Hakodate Winery

About Niagara Shibare-zukuri

Style: White, Sweet
Grape Varieties: Niagara
Price Range: ¥2,400-2,800; 360ml
Alcohol: 12%

Niagara Shibare-zukuri is a dessert wine from Hakodate Winery made with the winery's signature 'Shibare-zukuri' method: harvested Niagara grapes are left to freeze naturally in Hokkaido's severe winter cold, then pressed while still frozen so that only the concentrated, sugar-rich juice from the thawing grapes is drawn off, in a process similar in principle to ice wine. This concentration yields an intensely aromatic, honeyed sweet white wine that showcases the variety's signature musky-floral, grapey character alongside a bright, refreshing acidity. It is a distinct, small-batch line from the winery's standard Niagara bottlings — separate from both the GI Hokkaido-certified 'Hokkaido 100 Niagara' (dry-leaning table wine made by conventional pressing) and the 'Additive-free Niagara' (sulfite-free but conventionally pressed) — and is sold in a compact 360ml bottle reflecting its low-yield, labor-intensive production.

Sommelier's Note

The Shibare-zukuri method turns Hokkaido's harsh winter into an asset, concentrating Niagara's musky-grape aromatics into a honeyed, ice-wine-style dessert wine that is genuinely distinct from the winery's standard Niagara bottlings — worth seeking out specifically for that freeze-pressed intensity.

New to wine?

A great choice for anyone who enjoys sweet, aromatic wines — it tastes almost like concentrated grape juice with a gentle wine finish, making it an easy, approachable dessert wine.

Food Pairings

Its concentrated sweetness and bright acidity make it a natural match for blue cheese, fruit tarts, and vanilla-based desserts. On the Japanese table, try it with warabi-mochi or nerikiri wagashi, or as a contrast to salty grilled foods like shio-yaki fish or yakitori with salt.

When to drink it

Best enjoyed well-chilled as an after-dinner treat, alongside dessert, or as a distinctive Hokkaido souvenir/gift.

Terroir & Winemaking

Made 100% from Hokkaido-grown Niagara grapes using the 'Shibare-zukuri' (frozen-press) method: grapes are naturally frozen outdoors after harvest, then pressed while frozen so only the concentrated first-run juice is collected, raising sugar and flavor concentration before fermentation. Bottled at 12% ABV in a 360ml format. Non-vintage (NV) release.

About the producer

Hakodate WineryHokkaido pioneer since 1973, famed for frozen-grape 'shibare' dessert wines七飯町, 北海道 · Founded 1973Visit the producer page →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Shibare-zukuri' method used to make this wine?: 'Shibare-zukuri' means 'frozen-made': harvested Niagara grapes are left to freeze naturally outdoors in Hokkaido's severe winter cold, then pressed while still frozen so only the concentrated, sugar-rich juice released as they thaw is used — a process similar in principle to how ice wine is made.
How is this different from Hakodate Winery's other Niagara wines?: Hakodate Winery also makes 'Hokkaido 100 Niagara' and 'Additive-free Niagara', both made by conventional pressing of fresh, unfrozen grapes. Niagara Shibare-zukuri is a separate, small-batch dessert wine made by freeze-pressing, giving it a much more concentrated sweetness and aroma than either of those bottlings.
What does Niagara Shibare-zukuri taste like?: It has an intensely aromatic, musky-grape and honeyed character with luscious sweetness balanced by bright, refreshing acidity — a rich dessert wine rather than a table wine.
What is the ideal serving temperature?: Serve well-chilled, around 7-10°C, to keep the sweetness balanced with crisp acidity.

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