pur.
ピュール
Hokkaido's purest statement — nothing added, nothing hidden, just terroir
pur. is a small-batch winery on the highest plateau in Niki-cho, Yoichi District, Hokkaido, sitting at 130–150 m elevation with sweeping views of Shiripa Cape. Owner Tanyama Tokichi took over the 3-hectare family vineyard in 2021 and released the first vintage in 2023 through commissioned winemaking at Yamada-do, whose winemaker trained at the legendary Domaine Takahiko. The name — French for 'pure' — captures the winemaking philosophy: harvest quality grapes, press them as-is, add nothing. Eight varieties including Chardonnay (45%) and Pinot Noir (35%) grow in clay-rich, north-facing plots at the highest point in Niki-cho, demanding meticulous canopy management. Production is tiny and sold primarily through local channels and the Yoichi furusato nōzei program.
www.instagram.com/pur.hokkaido.niki.yoichi/ ↗Cuvées
ピュール ブラン
pur. Blanc
WhiteChardonnay · Kerner
pur. Blanc is a white blend from pur., a micro-estate on the highest plateau of Niki-cho (130–150m elevation), Hokkaido. Owner Tanyama Tokichi grows Chardonnay (45%) and Kerner alongside six other varieties in clay-rich, north-facing plots. The wine is produced at Yamada-do with minimal intervention — expressing the pur. philosophy of pressing quality grapes as-is and adding nothing. The Blanc captures cool-climate elegance through crisp acidity, delicate floral aromatics, and nuanced fruit.
ピュール ルージュ
pur. Rouge
RedPinot Noir · Zweigelt
pur. Rouge is a red blend from pur., a tiny estate on the highest plateau of Niki-cho, Yoichi District, Hokkaido, at 130–150m elevation. Owner Tanyama Tokichi harvests Pinot Noir and Zweigelt from clay-rich, north-facing plots and produces the wine through commissioned winemaking at Yamada-do, whose winemaker trained at the legendary Domaine Takahiko. Following the pur. philosophy — harvest quality grapes, press them as-is, add nothing — the Rouge captures cool-climate vibrancy with red berries, subtle spice, and a refreshing, elegant acidity.
Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who prize transparency and agricultural honesty over polished technique — those drawn to the raw energy of emerging Japanese estates and the cool-climate character of Hokkaido's newest generation of natural winemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'pur.' mean?
- pur. comes from the French word for 'pure.' Owner Tanyama chose the name to reflect a winemaking philosophy of absolute minimalism — grapes harvested, pressed, and fermented with nothing added — and the hope that visitors would experience Niki and Yoichi's pristine nature with the same sense of pure wonder.
- Who makes pur. wines?
- Until pur.'s own winery facility is complete, winemaking is handled by Yamada-do in Yoichi, whose winemaker trained at the legendary Domaine Takahiko. The vineyard is managed by Hideto Inazawa under owner Tanyama Tokichi's direction.
- Where can I buy pur. wines?
- pur. wines are produced in very small quantities and sold primarily through the Yoichi hometown tax (furusato nōzei) program, occasional crowdfunding campaigns, and local channels. Follow their Instagram (@pur.hokkaido.niki.yoichi) for the latest availability.
- What grape varieties does pur. grow?
- The 3-hectare vineyard cultivates eight varieties, dominated by Chardonnay (45%) and Pinot Noir (35%), with Kerner, Zweigelt, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Dornsa, and Dornfelder making up the rest.