#Japan #Wine #Nagano #FZ Farm #Furusato Vineyard

FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard: A New Chapter Begins

After a year of nurturing the historic grape vineyard formerly owned by Sapporo Brewery, FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard is excited to announce the completion of its highly anticipated first vintage. The vineyard, based in Nagano, Japan, was established with a vision to blend deep-rooted local agricultural traditions with fresh perspectives in winemaking. This summer, the first vintage will hit the market, ushering in a new era of wine crafted with passion and dedication.

A Historical Legacy Passed On

Founded in 2025 from a respected 50-year-old vineyard, FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard has taken on the responsibility of preserving the rich history and unique terroir of the land. As one of the many establishments operated by Fonz, which runs roughly 100 restaurants and hotels domestically and internationally, the vineyard aims to provide a tantalizing culinary and wine experience. The company’s commitment to revitalizing the landscape of winemaking in Japan comes from noticing the challenges posed by an aging workforce and a changing business environment.

Innovating Winemaking through Team Efforts

To embark on this journey, Fonz assembled a skilled team comprised of members with diverse agricultural backgrounds. The crew includes a soil researcher and two individuals trained in wineries in Nagano and Yamagata, along with a brand manager who dreams of fostering her crops. Together, they’ve harnessed specialized knowledge and technical support to work towards crafting the first vintage.

Throughout the process, employees from various departments gathered at the vineyard, engaging in hands-on activities to understand the roots of the wine they will help produce. Their shared enthusiasm is palpable, ensuring each grape is nurtured with care and dedication.

A Sustainable Vision for Winemaking

Recognizing the significance of their historical vines, FZ Farm has committed to sustainable practices. The vineyard has completely eliminated the use of herbicides and is focused on improving soil health. By fostering a natural farming method, they aim to engage with the land and bring out its inherent vigor. The team intends to create wines that change with the seasons, inviting customers to enjoy the unique flavors the year has to offer.

Upcoming 2025 Vintage Wines

With great care, FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard has harvested around 14 tons of grapes across four varieties, leading to the production of approximately 5,500 bottles of wine. The 2025 vintage will be diversified, showcasing:

• - Chardonnay & Riesling (Alcave Vine): An easy-drinking slightly sweet "Petillant" wine.
• - Chardonnay (Alcave Vine): Crisp and pure, reflecting a clean early harvest.
• - Chardonnay (No Ne Wines): Emphasizing a natural winemaking style with rich flavors.
• - Merlot Rose (Mother Vines): A dry rosé with cherry-like aromas, making it food-friendly.
• - Merlot (Mother Vines): Offering blueberry and cassis notes along with the characteristic merlot taste.
• - Cabernet Sauvignon (Alcave Vine): A robust red with a rich body produced from mature grapes.

Contact Information

For those interested in exploring a blend of tradition and innovation at FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard, here's how to get in touch:

• - Address: 53 Tomitake, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
• - Size: Approximately 2.8 hectares
• - Instagram: @fzfarm_furusatovineyard

Discover more about Fonz and its culinary ventures:

• - Website: Fonz Official Site

Join us in celebrating the launch of an extraordinary journey through the rich flavors of FZ Farm Furusato Vineyard, where history meets modern winemaking.