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NIKI Hills Winery Celebrates Gold Medal for Hatsuyuki

NIKI Hills Winery, a multifaceted winery operated by the DAC Group in Niki Town, Hokkaido, proudly announces that its flagship white wine, Hatsuyuki 2025, has been awarded a prestigious gold medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2026. This esteemed competition, recognized as one of Japan's largest wine contests, aims to enhance the quality and visibility of Japanese wines.

About the Award-Winning Wine - Hatsuyuki

As the flagship wine of NIKI Hills Winery, Hatsuyuki is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The winemaking process focuses on showcasing the unique aromas of the Kerner grape through low-temperature fermentation at 12°C. This technique not only preserves the fresh acidity characteristic of Hokkaido wines but also allows for deeper flavor complexity by varying the harvest periods and employing several types of cultured yeasts during fermentation. The final blend creates a truly unique aroma and taste that is distinct to NIKI Hills.

The 2025 vintage has seen a reduction in residual sugar compared to the previous year, resulting in a more refined and dry finish. The wine delivers a refreshing bouquet reminiscent of acacia buds, complemented by notes of green apple and the richness of fully ripe peaches, all harmonizing beautifully with the crisp acidity typical of Hokkaido wines.

Insights on the Japan Wine Competition

Since its inception in 2003, the Japan Wine Competition has been dedicated to the promotion of domestic wines made from 100% Japanese grapes. The competition assesses wines through rigorous sensory evaluations conducted by experts, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to the best entries in each category. The 2026 judging took place on July 8 and 9, with an award ceremony held on August 3 at the Yamanashi Prefectural Office.

Comments from the Winemaker - Amiko Ohta

Amiko Ohta, the chief winemaker at NIKI Hills Winery, expressed her deep joy at receiving the gold medal for Hatsuyuki on its 10th anniversary. “We are incredibly grateful to all our customers, partners, and mentors who have supported us since our founding. Our mission lies in creating an environment that maximizes the potential of the Kerner grown in collaboration with local farms in Yoichi and Niki Town,” she shared.

She emphasized the winery's commitment to crafting a wine that invites drinkers to savor its captivating aromas and balanced depth of flavor, which are uniquely derived from the monsoon climate of the region.

NIKI Hills Winery: A Pioneer in Wine Tourism

Established in 2014, NIKI Hills Winery represents a significant regeneration effort for the area known as a semi-regional community in Niki Town. The winery began its winemaking journey in 2015 and opened its doors to the public in 2019, encompassing a vast 33 hectares that include vineyards, a natural garden, a restaurant, and accommodations.

Not only does NIKI Hills Winery continue to produce award-winning wines, but it is also dedicated to contributing to the local community by attracting both domestic and international tourists through wine tourism initiatives that aim to revitalize Niki Town.

For more information, visit NIKI Hills Winery.

About DAC Holdings

DAC Holdings is led by CEO Kazunori Ishikawa and based in Ueno, Tokyo. With a workforce of 975 employees (as of December 2025), DAC Group remains committed to excellence in various sectors, including advertising and winery operations. For more details, visit DAC Group.