Furano Winery
Furano Winery: Fifty Years of Craftsmanship and Vision
Imagine Furano before the 1970s—an untamed wilderness where wild grapes clung bravely to the rugged fields and foothills of distant mountains, perhaps clinging as much out of stubbornness as of survival. Back then, the idea of cultivating a vineyard in this remote corner of Hokkaido might have seemed as far-fetched as growing bananas in Siberia. But look a little closer, and you might have noticed that Furano’s climate, in a beguiling twist, wasn’t too far removed from that of Europe’s renowned wine regions. And the soil? Oh, that rich, untapped earth, quietly suggesting—if you listened closely enough—that it had vinous potential just waiting to be unlocked.
It was this intriguing combination of temperate climate and promising soil that spurred the creation of the Furano City Grape and Fruit Research Institute, a forward-thinking enterprise with an eye on transforming this rugged, uncharted land into a refined hub of winemaking.
Fast forward fifty years, and what began as a bold experiment has blossomed into a flourishing tradition. A devoted group of pioneers and perfectionists has spent the past half-century shaping Furano wine, testing and tinkering until they struck liquid gold. Today, their efforts have paid off in wines that are not only praised locally in Hokkaido but have also gained a devoted following across Japan.
At the heart of this is the Furano City Grape and Fruit Research Institute, inviting visitors and wine enthusiasts to experience the fruits of their labor—literally. Each grape, each bottle, tells the story of this land and its artisans. Staying true to their founding principle of “promoting local agriculture through the wine business,” Furano Winery only produces wines from the grapes grown in its own vineyards. You could say the wine is not just from Furano but of Furano.
Enter “Furano No. 2”
Now, let’s talk about “Furano No. 2.” No, it’s not a sequel to some blockbuster movie—though its creation involved a collaboration worthy of an Oscar. The winery has long worked hand in hand with local farmers, agricultural experts, and the Kamikawa Agricultural Improvement and Extension Center to refine their grape-growing practices. And out of this meticulous partnership came a bold new varietal, one that could only have emerged from Furano’s unique terroir.
Born from a cross between wild grapes—those hardy survivors of Furano’s rugged landscape—and the ever-so-scientific “Seibelle 13053,” “Furano No. 2” is a red wine that captures the wildness of its heritage. Rich in natural sugars and acidity, it’s a full-bodied beauty, aged for one year in a barrel and another in a bottle, slowly developing a depth of flavor that lingers on the palate. You’ll taste not just the wine but the vision that brought it to life—the essence of Furano itself, bottled and aged to perfection.
Winery Tours: Sip and Savor
For a first-hand look at the magic behind Furano’s wines, the winery opens its doors with guided tours that lead you through the picturesque mountain-side facility. Housed in a charming brick building, the winery offers a glimpse into the meticulous, handcrafted winemaking process. You’ll watch the grapes on their journey from vine to vat, and then into the aging cellar, where they rest in barrels, slowly transforming into the wine you’ll soon be sipping.
Speaking of sipping, the tour wraps up with the best part—a tasting session, where you can sample their finest wines and savor the results of decades of dedication. The tours are free (yes, free!), and you don’t even need a reservation unless you’re bringing a group of 10 or more. In that case, a quick call to the winery will ensure they’re ready to give you and your friends an unforgettable experience.
So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a curious traveler with a taste for the good life, Furano Winery offers a delightful journey into the heart of one of Japan’s rising stars in winemaking. Cheers to fifty years of vision, and here’s to fifty more!
Profile & Map
| Company Name | Furano City Grape and Fruit Research Institute |
| Address | 1161 Nishigakuden2ku, Shimizuyama, Furano City, Hokkaido 〒076-0048 |
| Phone | 0120-878-172 |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Tasting Fee | Free (some fees may apply) |
| Opening Times | 09:00-17:00 (all year round) |
| Closed Days | Open all year round (except for New Year holidays) |
| Website | https://www.furanowine.jp/ |
| Tour Bookings | https://www.furanowine.jp/winery.html |