Takizawa Winery
A passing of the torch, and future shaped by new hands.
Founded 2004
Mikasa, Hokkaido
Varieties planted
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Auxerrois
The People
Takizawa Winery was founded in 2004 by Nobuo Takizawa after leaving behind a life in the coffee business. After Takizawa-san's passing in 2023, Kodai Kageyama, then only 33 years old, took over the reigns at the winery, looking after both winemaking and viticulture. Also helping out in the winery and vineyard is Ikki Yokoyama. Born in 1993, Yokoyama-san has also had experience making wines in Australia, and at the time of writing is amongst Japan's youngest winemakers.
The Land
Mikasa is situated further inland compared to other the other winemaking regions in Hokkaido like Yoichi and Hokuto, and as such has a climate that's more continental in nature. Their highest vineyards sit on slopes just above 100m, allowing for a little more sun exposure and varying aspects.
The Wine
Takizawa Winery's domaine wines are well known across Japan for their superb depth and quality, which together with the other wineries in Mikasa have defined the sub-region's more moder, polished style. Takizawa Winery also makes fresh and lively wines from table grapes like Niagara, Delaware, and Tabiji, which are purchased from contract farmers.
