Lan Seqqua
ランセッカ
Joyful snow: Yoichi's most poetic minimal-intervention domaine
Lan Seqqua is a micro-domaine winery in the Koyachi district of Yoichi, Hokkaido, founded by Juntaro Yamakawa and Ryuko Haru. Grape cultivation began in 2018 on a 1.6-hectare sloped site, with the first estate vintage (KOYACHI and pon nitay) released in spring 2023. The name combines 'Lan' — the Japanese sound of joy (ランランラン♪) — and 'Seqqua', a neologism from 雪華 (snow crystal), meaning 'joyful snow.' This reflects Yoichi's 2-meter winter snowfall, which insulates vines from extreme cold — an embrace of the land's challenges rather than a lament. Yamakawa trained for two years under Domaine Takahiko's Takahiko Soga before establishing the domaine. Ryuko Haru, who holds a graduate degree in agriculture from Hokkaido University and has farmed in Yoichi since 2012, oversees the white wines. The winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention: listening to the grapes, drawing out their natural energy without distortion. Sulfur is added only at bottling, natural yeasts are used throughout, and whole-bunch fermentation is practised widely. Annual production is approximately 13,000–15,000 bottles, sold exclusively through selected wine shops in Hokkaido.
lanseqqua.jp/ ↗Cuvées
コヤチ パストゥグラン
KOYACHI Passetoutgrain
RedPinot Noir · Zweigelt
The flagship estate red from Lan Seqqua's own vineyard in the Koyachi district of Yoichi — named after the land it grows on. A Passetoutgrain-style blend of approximately 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Zweigelt, both whole-bunch fermented. Aged one year in barrel (around 20% new oak). Sulfur added only at bottling. The wine expresses the cool-climate character of Yoichi through vibrant red fruit, a subtle green-tea note from whole-bunch fermentation, and a transparent, elegant palate. Annual production approximately 3,500–8,000 bottles, sold exclusively through selected Hokkaido wine shops.
ランセッカ ルージュ
Lan Seqqua Rouge
RedPinot Noir
Pinot Noir from Lan Seqqua in Yoichi, following the terroir-expressive style of the Domaine Takahiko school.
ポン・ニタイ
pon nitay
WhitePinot Gris · Gewürztraminer · Pinot Noir · Sylvaner · Riesling · Pinot Blanc
The flagship estate white from Lan Seqqua, named 'pon nitay' from the Ainu language — 'pon' meaning small, 'nitay' meaning forest. The wine is inspired by the crisp, clear air of a Hokkaido forest. A co-fermented field blend led by Pinot Gris (approx. 48%) and Gewürztraminer (approx. 26%), with Pinot Noir (approx. 17%) and other varieties completing the blend. Skin contact and whole-bunch maceration are employed by variety. Aged one year in old barrel. Annual production approximately 1,300–2,000 bottles, sold exclusively in Hokkaido.
早花咲月
Sahana Sazuki
SparklingRoséNiagara · Campbell Early · Pinot Noir
A semi-sparkling pétillant naturel rosé from Lan Seqqua, released each spring from the previous autumn's harvest. Made primarily from Niagara with Campbell Early and small amounts of Pinot Noir. The name 早花咲月 (Sahana Sazuki) is an old Japanese name for the fourth lunar month, meaning 'the moon when early flowers bloom' — evoking the arrival of spring. Light, refreshing, and approachable, it is the most widely produced wine in the Lan Seqqua lineup at 4,000–7,200 bottles annually.
ランセッカ ブラン
Lan Seqqua Blanc
WhiteChardonnay
Chardonnay from Lan Seqqua, a small producer in Yoichi founded in 2018 by Juntaro Yamakawa after training at Domaine Takahiko.
Who Is This For?
For curious natural wine lovers drawn to cool-climate Japan and wines with a vivid sense of place. Lan Seqqua rewards those who listen closely to what the land has to say — the winery is not yet widely known outside Hokkaido, which makes discovering it all the more thrilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'Lan Seqqua' mean?
- The name combines 'Lan' (the Japanese sound of joy — ランランラン, like a happy hum) and 'Seqqua' (a neologism from 雪華, snow crystal). Together it means 'joyful snow' — celebrating Yoichi's heavy snowfall that protects vines from extreme winters rather than treating it as an obstacle.
- Who are the winemakers?
- Juntaro Yamakawa (red wines) trained for two years under Domaine Takahiko's Takahiko Soga before founding the domaine in 2018. Ryuko Haru (white wines) holds a graduate degree in agriculture from Hokkaido University and has been farming in Yoichi since 2012.
- What is the winemaking philosophy?
- Minimal intervention — 'talking with the grapes and deciding' rather than imposing a style. Natural yeasts throughout, sulfur added only at bottling, and whole-bunch fermentation for most reds. The aim is to draw out the natural energy of the fruit without distortion.
- Where can I buy Lan Seqqua wines?
- Wines are released annually each spring (around March) and sold exclusively through selected wine shops in Hokkaido. Direct sales are not conducted. Check the official website for a current stockist list.
- What are the flagship wines?
- KOYACHI Passetoutgrain is the flagship red — a Pinot Noir and Zweigelt blend from the estate vineyard. pon nitay is the flagship white — a skin-contact field blend led by Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, inspired by the crisp air of a Hokkaido forest.