Yamanashi Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s premier wine-producing regions. However, the areas most often discussed are Katsunuma, Enzan, and Akeno.
Did you know that in recent years, excellent wines have been produced in Fujikawaguchiko Town, located on the northern foothills of the sacred Mount Fuji? This is the “Seven Cedars Winery (7c | seven cedars winery),” which opened in August 2022 as the town’s first winery.
At “CRAFT WINE SHOP,” we have started carrying wines from this very “Seven Cedars Winery.” Here, we will introduce the winery and recommend some of their wines.
Three Things You Should Know About “Seven Cedars Winery”
“Seven Cedars Winery” is the first winery in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, established in August 2022.
In addition, in July 2024, they will open Japan’s first winery villa, “7c villa & winery,” attracting attention with innovative initiatives.
Below are three key points essential to understanding “Seven Cedars Winery.” We will explain what the winery is and their dedication to cultivation and winemaking.
① The History of “Seven Cedars Winery”
“Seven Cedars Winery” is operated by “Otomo Resort Co., Ltd.” The winery’s name comes from the seven cedar trees located within the grounds of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (Seven 7, Cedars). It was named with the hope of becoming a winery loved for a long time, like the seven cedars. The idea for the winery came from Otomo Resort’s plan to build a large-scale tourist facility in Kawaguchiko as a new business. They believed that not only selling Yamanashi-produced wine at the facility but also cultivating grapes and producing wine themselves would contribute to the local community. The company’s owner, Mr. Ban, invited Hiroko Takano, who has long been active as a winemaker and wine instructor in Yamanashi Prefecture, to join the project. Ms. Takano joined in 2021 and remarkably established the winery in just a year and a half. With the cooperation of local residents, the winery team was formed, vineyard sites were found, and winemaking facilities were built at an unprecedented speed. Ms. Takano’s goal is a winery with the concept of “making wine that shines a light on grape growers.” Under the philosophy of turning the entire grower into wine by highlighting the characteristics of the cultivators, the winemaking team, who have closely observed the growers and their grapes, creates the wine.
- [Observe] Properly observe the grapes
- [Capture] Make efforts to bring out and enhance the grapes’ best qualities
- [Discover] Find the appropriate winemaking method
By persistently continuing these three unique approaches, “Seven Cedars Winery” produces wines that express the terroir of Kawaguchiko (including not only the cultivation environment but also the people).
② “Seven Cedars Winery” and Grapes
“Seven Cedars Winery” works as a team with “12 farmers,” creating wines that bring out the individuality of each farmer and their grapes. The winery’s own vineyards are located in Fujikawaguchiko Town. Historically, this area was considered unsuitable for fruit cultivation. The cool climate at about 850 meters elevation and the mountainous terrain cause rapidly changing weather, making grape cultivation for wine especially challenging. Although some places drop below minus 10°C in winter, recent warming trends have reduced the number of times Lake Kawaguchi freezes, opening new possibilities for grape growing. The soil, called Misaka gravel, contains many stones underground and is poor in nutrients, which actually makes it suitable for grape cultivation. The winery faced challenges finding their own vineyard sites but reclaimed idle farmland that was once rice paddies before opening. Currently, they own four vineyard sites within Fujikawaguchiko Town, where they cultivate the following grape varieties separately using trellis systems:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Petit Manseng
- Kerner
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Noir, among others
Because soil composition varies by area, they practice cultivation suited to each site. They also spend time improving areas lacking necessary nutrients, aiming for ideal soil and natural cultivation.
③ “Seven Cedars Winery” and Winemaking
Hiroko Takano, the winemaker at “Seven Cedars Winery,” is one of Japan’s leading renowned winemakers. She served as chief winemaker at a certain winery, with wines she crafted winning awards at competitions, making her a true professional in winemaking. Her goal is “to bring together her dedicated winemaking experience and straightforwardly draw out ‘honest deliciousness.’” She pursues winemaking methods suited to the quality of the grapes and, by assessing the grape quality vintage by vintage, plans to consider the best combinations of growers, vineyards, and appropriate production methods. Rather than prioritizing the wine itself, the focus is on winemaking that maximizes the potential and individuality of the grapes, adapting flexibly to each grape’s needs. Another unique aspect of “Seven Cedars Winery” is that they do not carry over winemaking methods from the previous year. They carefully evaluate the grapes harvested each year and decide on the best winemaking approach for those grapes. This vintage-focused style, returning to the roots of wine appreciation, is a hallmark of “Seven Cedars Winery.”
Recommended Wines from CWS
At “CRAFT WINE SHOP,” we have stocked wines from the highly regarded “Seven Cedars Winery.” Enjoy the unique flavors that only this winery, with its concept of “making wine that shines a light on grape growers,” can produce.
Seven Cedars Winery / Delaware Sparkling 2024 (White Sparkling) 750ml
The Delaware grape variety offers a sweet and rich aroma combined with refreshing acidity. Both of these charms are carefully brought out to create a light and lively sparkling wine.
The production method uses “bottle fermentation,” which produces delicate bubbles and a deep flavor. The fine bubbles gently envelop the entire wine.
From the glass rises a sweet and floral aroma reminiscent of apple and pineapple candy.
The nuances of ripe fruit and a fresh impression coexist, spreading the unique character of Delaware grapes pleasantly.
The taste is dry, with crisp acidity tightening the overall flavor, delivering a refreshing drinking experience.
From mid to finish, the characteristic crisp texture of bottle fermentation and a slight bitterness appear, expanding the range of dishes it pairs well with.
Seven Cedars Winery / Delaware Sparkling 2024 (White Sparkling) 750ml
3,300 yen (tax included)
Click here for wine details
Summary
The logo of “Seven Cedars Winery” is inspired by the silhouette of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji and the seven thousand-year-old cedars at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, designed by Shun Kawakami, CEO of artless inc. Its stylish appearance also highlights the winery’s unique character.
“Seven Cedars Winery” continues to produce wines with the unique concept of shining a light on grape growers.
Why not take this opportunity to try their wines?
