Domaine Harbiose

The winery is based on Field of Dreams Co., originally founded in Fukuoka with a mission of pursuing beauty and health. Mother and son duo Kumiko Hattori and her eldest son Aoi, who moved from Fukuoka in 2019, embarked on an ambitious journey to cultivate grape vineyards from scratch on abandoned farmland, igniting their shared passion for winemaking through this parent-child partnership challenge.

Their first wine made with their own brewing equipment was released in fall 2023, marking a significant milestone in their journey from newcomers to established producers. The wine name 'BONBORI,' meaning snow hut, was chosen because snow protects grape vines during the cold winter months—a beautiful representation of how Hokkaido's harsh climate becomes an ally in their winemaking process.

Currently cultivating Kerner and Pinot Noir on a 1.5-hectare vineyard, they produce white, rosé, and red wines, with ambitious plans to expand the vineyard by another 1.5 hectares to accommodate their growing vision. 'We'd like to increase Alsace varieties like Gewürztraminer,' the parent-child team shows enthusiasm for expanding their varietal focus, building on their foundation with cool-climate grapes.

'Many wineries in Niki focus on Alsace varieties, so we hope to carry on this regional character,' says Aoi, demonstrating their commitment to honoring local winemaking traditions while adding their unique perspective. They carefully tend the vineyard by walking through frequently, using minimal pesticides and chemical fertilizers in their pursuit of sustainable viticulture that maximizes the grapes' natural power. Their approach represents the perfect blend of newcomer enthusiasm and respect for established regional practices, contributing to the growing reputation of Niki as a center for Alsace-style winemaking in Japan.