Winter is part of vineyard work in Hokkaido. In heavy-snow districts, growers may cover vines with snow to protect them from freezing and broken branches. Tokachi has lighter snowfall but intense cold, so vines may be buried in soil instead.
Hokkaido is cooler than Japan's other grape-growing areas. From April to October, average temperatures are 15°C or lower. Major grape-growing areas have wide day-night temperature swings, at least 1,100 hours of sunshine and 700 mm or less rainfall. Cool conditions support high-acid grapes, while lower humidity helps control mold. Yoichi, Iwamizawa, Furano and Ikeda are listed as major grape-growing areas in the GI specification.
Permitted grapes include Kerner, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, alongside vinifera, Labrusca, wild-vine and hybrid varieties. Yamasachi is an original Hokkaido variety registered with the OIV. Whites are generally light in colour, fruity and strongly acidic, sometimes recalling bright flowers, green apple or orange fruit. Reds are light to moderate in body, with clear acidity and mild astringency.
For GI Hokkaido, grapes must be harvested in Hokkaido, and the Japanese wine must be made and bottled there.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Hokkaido clear, with a direct route back to the map.