OcciGabi Winery

Led by representative director Masami and executive managing director Kiichiro, OcciGabi represents the union of exceptional expertise and shared vision. Kiichiro graduated from the prestigious West German National Wine School and subsequently engaged in winery development projects across Hokkaido and Nagano before establishing the acclaimed Cave d'Occi winery in Niigata in 1992. Masami brings two decades of international experience from her career at major US oil company Exxon Mobil. Together, they established OcciGabi Winery in 2013 following their marriage.

Their creation embodies what has become known as the 'Modern Winery' movement—a global phenomenon emerging from the late 20th to early 21st century, characterized by architecturally stunning buildings housing sophisticated underground brewing facilities. These impressive structures nestle within expansive gardens, which are themselves embraced by vast vineyards, all set against a backdrop of verdant forests and majestic mountain ranges stretching to the horizon.

This approach elevates winemaking far beyond simple grape farming, positioning these establishments as leaders in green tourism and regional environmental enhancement. Japan's finest examples of this movement include Niigata's Cave d'Occi and Yoichi's own OcciGabi. Visitors familiar with California's Napa Valley inevitably think, 'Here is Japan's answer to Napa.'

As Julius Caesar might have said 2,000 years ago, 'I came, I saw, I tasted,' while Napa's legendary founder Robert Mondavi would surely encourage guests to 'Stay awhile and listen to the sound of growing grapes.'