Yoka Winery
ヨカワイナリー
Ex-banker turned winemaker: Yoichi's most personal new estate
Founded by Masashi Kiku in 2023 in the Nobori district of Yoichi, Hokkaido, Yoka Winery is a family-run estate built from scratch on land abandoned for over 30 years. Kiku — a former banker from Fukuoka who relocated his family to Hokkaido at age 41 — spent four years reclaiming rock-strewn hillside farmland before planting his first vines. He trained in viticulture at Kimura Farm and in winemaking under Bruce Gutlove of 10R Winery for four seasons. The estate grows Pinot Noir (1ha), Chardonnay (0.5ha), and Kerner (0.5ha). The name 'Yoka' (余香) means 'lingering fragrance' — expressing Kiku's desire to create wines that move the heart and leave a lasting impression.
www.yoka-winery.com ↗Cuvées
余香 ブラッシュ
Yoka Blush
RoséPinot Noir · Kerner · Gewürztraminer
Yoka Blush is a unique rosé wine from Yoka Winery in Yoichi, Hokkaido. Crafted primarily from Pinot Noir (including a small portion of botrytized grapes), it is creatively blended with Kerner and Gewürztraminer. The wine features a medium rose hue and offers an elegant bouquet of small red berries, apricots, and floral nuances. On the palate, it displays a superb balance between fruitiness, subtle oak influence, and refreshing acidity, with a soft, lingering finish. It is a sophisticated expression of the Yoichi terroir, showcasing the winery's commitment to quality and innovation.
余珀 ツヴァイゲルト
Yohaku Zweigelt
RedRoséZweigelt
Yoka Winery's 'Yohaku' series features grapes sourced from local Yoichi producers, embodying the winery's commitment to regional connection. This Zweigelt is crafted using a 'Blanc de Noirs' technique, where the grapes are pressed whole-cluster without maceration to avoid harsh tannins. The resulting wine displays a beautiful golden hue with copper tints. On the palate, it offers a sophisticated balance of saline minerality, bright acidity, and subtle umami reminiscent of seaweed, complemented by notes of cherry cola, apricot, and white spices. It is a complex, elegant expression that defies typical red wine expectations.
ヨカ ルージュ
Yoka Rouge
RedPinot Noir
Yoka Rouge is a signature red wine produced by Yoka Winery, located in the Nobori district of Yoichi, Hokkaido. Crafted primarily from estate-grown Pinot Noir, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the region, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations and well-drained, mineral-rich soil. The winemaking process emphasizes a sincere approach to the land, resulting in a wine that captures the delicate, elegant essence of Hokkaido Pinot Noir. With its refined structure and nuanced aromatic profile, it embodies the winery's philosophy of creating wines that leave a lasting, pleasant impression.
余香 ケルナー
Yoka Kerner
WhiteKerner
Yoka Kerner is a flagship white wine from Yoka Winery, located in the Yoichi region of Hokkaido. Crafted from estate-grown Kerner grapes, this wine showcases the unique cool-climate terroir of the region. It features vibrant aromatics of mint, lemon curd, apricot, and white florals, complemented by a dash of fine white spices. On the palate, it offers excellent acidity, mid-palate concentration, and a distinct umami character, leading to a long, pleasant, and slightly bittersweet finish. It is a sophisticated expression of Hokkaido viticulture.
ヨカ ブラン
Yoka Blanc
WhiteChardonnay · Müller-Thurgau
Yoka Blanc is a refined white wine produced by Yoka Winery in Yoichi, Hokkaido. Crafted with a blend of Chardonnay and Müller-Thurgau, this wine captures the cool-climate essence of the region. It features a crisp, refreshing acidity balanced by delicate fruit notes and a subtle mineral backbone, reflecting the unique terroir of the Yoichi vineyards. The winemaking process emphasizes purity and elegance, resulting in a clean, expressive profile that showcases the potential of Hokkaido viticulture.
Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who value the human story behind the bottle — drawn to small-production, first-generation estates with honest, terroir-driven wines from Japan's coolest wine region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Yoka Winery unique?
- It is a rare first-generation estate built entirely from scratch — the founder cleared over 30 years of abandoned hillside farmland in Yoichi by hand, reclaiming bedrock before planting vines in 2023.
- Who is the founder of Yoka Winery?
- Masashi Kiku, a former banker from Fukuoka who moved his family to Yoichi at age 41. He trained at Kimura Farm and under Bruce Gutlove of 10R Winery before launching his own estate.
- What grape varieties does Yoka Winery grow?
- Three estate varieties: Pinot Noir (1ha), Chardonnay (0.5ha), and Kerner (0.5ha). The YOHAKU négociant line also sources Zweigelt from other Yoichi producers.
- Where can I buy Yoka Winery wines?
- Available through specialist retailers such as IMADEYA and Harada Sake Store. Production is very small so bottles sell out quickly — check the official site at yoka-winery.com for stock updates.