Les Vins Débrouillards
Unserious folks making very serious wines.
Founded 2020
Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture
Varieties planted
Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Savagnin, Albarino, Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
The People
In the 1990s, a young Charles journeyed from the American deep south to Ōita Prefecture in search of adventure. He started his journey in Japan teaching English at the local police academy, and later on in life found himself pouring wines as a wine bar owner in the mountain resort of Hakuba.
At some point, Charles met Kaoko, a fellow country girl (albeit from an entirely different country), and fell in love.
As it turns out, Kaoko's home prefecture of Nagano sees some of the lowest rainfall in Japan , so when time came to decide on a place to set down roots and embark on their winemaking dream together, Nagano was the obvious choice.
'Débrouillards' in the name refers to Charles' and Kaoko's approach to viticulture - resourceful, motivated, and unmistakably hardworking.
The Land
Located 800m AMSL in the hills of Kataoka, Shiojiri, LVDB's four vineyards span an area of approximately 1.4 hectares. In true 'Débrouillards' spirit, they farm without chemicals, despite the immense challenges of doing so in a place like Japan. The vineyards overlook the Kikyogahara Wine Valley, and days typically end with stunning views as the sun sets below the mountains on the other side.
The Wine
As with many folks starting out, the pair don't have their own winery yet and instead drive the 6 hours each way to Fattoria al Fiore in Miyagi Prefecture to turn their grapes into wine. A winery is in the works, and the more we hear about it the more excited we get.
Charles has extensive experience with winemaking from working in wineries in Australia and the Russian River Valley back in the US. Kaoko has studied at the Chikumagawa Wine Academy, which has now produced many of Japan's acclaimed winemakers.
What we love about their wines is that they're always so juicy, bright, and expressive. As yields increase, single varietal wines will become possible and we're expecting great things in the years ahead.
