Hirakawa Winery
平川ワイナリー
12 years at Margaux & Leflaive — Yoichi's most rigorously terroir-driven estate
Founded in 2015 in Yoichi, Hokkaido by Atsuo Hirakawa — a triple-certified sommelier, agricultural engineer, and oenologist with 12 years of hands-on experience at legendary French estates including Château Margaux, Domaine Leflaive, Domaine Dujac, and Château Cheval Blanc. A self-described 'récoltant manipulant,' the estate controls every step from 21 hectares (13.5 ha under vine) on ancient soil with 1,200 years of organic accumulation, producing approximately 50,000 bottles annually. White wines undergo whole-bunch pressing and cold fermentation at 18°C, aged on fine lees until spring; reds see extended maceration and 14+ months in oak. The winery intentionally omits grape variety names from labels, letting Yoichi's terroir speak for itself.
hirakawawinery.jp/ ↗Cuvées
レスプリ テール・ド・ヨイチ
L'Esprit Terre de Yoichi
RedPinot Noir · Rondo
A flagship red from Hirakawa's Terre de Yoichi collection, blending Pinot Noir and Rondo from the estate's cool coastal vineyard. Deep in color with dark fruit intensity, the wine shows the classic Hirakawa character: taut acidity, precise structure, and an elegance born from 12 years of French training at Château Margaux and Domaine Dujac. Aging potential of 5–10 years from vintage.
平川 ピノノワール
Hirakawa Pinot Noir
RedPinot Noir
Pinot Noir from Hirakawa's cool-climate Yoichi vineyard, unified with techniques absorbed over 12 years at French estates including Domaine Dujac and Château Margaux. Extended maceration extracts color and tannin, followed by 14+ months in oak (20% new) with free-run and press wines kept and aged separately before final assemblage. The result is a structured yet elegant red that rewards patience.
平川 シャルドネ
Hirakawa Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
Expressive Chardonnay from Hirakawa's south-facing hillside vineyard in Yoichi, vinified with whole-bunch pressing, cold fermentation at 18°C, and extended lees aging until spring. Reflects 12 years of French winemaking experience at estates including Domaine Leflaive and Puligny-Montrachet — precise, mineral, and effortlessly food-friendly.
平川 ミュラー・トゥルガウ
Hirakawa Müller-Thurgau
WhiteMüller-Thurgau
A refreshing and aromatic white wine from Hirakawa Winery in Yoichi, showcasing the lively fruit and delicate acidity of Müller-Thurgau grown in Hokkaido's cool maritime climate. Produced in the same terroir-first philosophy as the rest of the estate, with clean fermentation that highlights the variety's natural floral and stone fruit character.
Who Is This For?
For Burgundy lovers who want to explore the finest expression of Japanese cool-climate terroir at an approachable price
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the winemaker behind Hirakawa Winery?
- Atsuo Hirakawa holds three French national qualifications — sommelier, agricultural engineer, and oenologist — with 12 years of experience at prestigious estates including Château Margaux, Domaine Leflaive, and Domaine Dujac.
- What style of wines does Hirakawa Winery produce?
- Elegant, food-centric wines that prioritize terroir expression over varietal character. The winery deliberately omits grape variety names from labels so the wine's origin shines through.
- What grapes are grown at Hirakawa?
- Primarily white varieties — Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer — plus red varieties including Pinot Noir and Rondo, across 10+ cultivars in total.
- What is the price range for Hirakawa wines?
- Wines range from approximately ¥4,400 to ¥8,800 per bottle. The Grande Cuvée series sits at the higher end, while Terre de Yoichi and Cuvée Gastronomique offer excellent entry points.
- Where can I buy Hirakawa wines?
- Available at the Yoichi winery, the Tokyo flagship store in Hiroo (Shibuya), and selected fine wine retailers and online shops across Japan.