Kimura Farm
木村農園
The oldest significant Pinot Noir vineyard in Hokkaido — Kimura Farm has been cultivating Pinot Noir since 1985, four decades of accumulated terroir wisdom on Yoichi's mineral-rich slopes.
Kimura Farm is a pioneering grape-growing estate in the Nobori district of Yoichi, Hokkaido, managed by Koji Kimura. The family has cultivated fruit trees since the grandfather's generation; in 1984 they planted Kerner, and in 1985 they planted Pinot Noir — making Kimura Farm home to what is widely considered the oldest substantial Pinot Noir vineyard in Hokkaido, if not in all of Japan. The 8.5-hectare estate is planted mainly to Pinot Noir (5 ha), with the remainder in Kerner, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier. The vineyard sits on gently undulating slopes facing the Sea of Japan, with well-draining sandy-clay soils. Kimura Farm supplies grapes to several leading Hokkaido wineries; their Pinot Noir is most famously vinified by Bruce Gutlove of 10R Winery under the KWtN ('Kamihoro Wine to Nakama-tachi') label.
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Who Is This For?
For wine lovers drawn to old-vine Pinot Noir with genuine terroir character — those who appreciate the story behind the glass and the Hokkaido pioneering spirit that built Japan's northern wine country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Kimura Farm's Pinot Noir special?
- Kimura Farm planted Pinot Noir in 1985, making it one of the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Hokkaido. Nearly 40 years of vine age means deep root systems, naturally low yields, and exceptional concentration of flavour that younger vineyards cannot yet achieve.
- Who vinifies the grapes from Kimura Farm?
- The most celebrated wine from Kimura Farm's Pinot Noir is made by Bruce Gutlove at 10R Winery under the KWtN ('Kamihoro Wine to Nakama-tachi') label — a collaboration built on deep trust between the Kimura family and the winemaker.
- Where is Kimura Farm located?
- The farm is in the Nobori district of Yoichi Town, on the western coast of Hokkaido. At 43°N latitude — the same as Burgundy — Yoichi's cool Sea-of-Japan climate and volcanic soils create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir.
- What grape varieties does Kimura Farm grow?
- Pinot Noir dominates with approximately 5 hectares, complemented by Kerner, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier across the remaining 3.5 hectares of the 8.5-hectare estate.
- Is Kimura Farm open to visitors?
- Kimura Farm is a working agricultural estate and does not operate as a public winery. However, their wines can be found at specialist Japanese wine retailers and through the Yoichi wine tourism program.