In the area of Tsurunuma in Urausu Town, Sorachi District, Hokkaido, you’ll find Tsurunuma Winery. It spans the southwest-facing slopes of a small, elevated hill with views of the Ishikari River, boasting Japan’s largest vineyard covering 447 hectares in trellised grape rows.
Tsurunuma Winery is part of Hokkaido Wine Co., Ltd.’s estate, specializing in the production of wines from Hokkaido-grown grapes. Hokkaido’s climate is drier and more refreshing compared to Honshu, making it well-suited for cultivating European grape varieties, establishing it as Japan’s leading region for wine grape production.
Every year on the last Sunday of August, the Tsurunuma Wine Festival takes place, offering visitors the chance to enjoy wine and barbecue amidst the vineyards.
The vineyard is about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Sapporo.
While factory tours are not available, you can still enjoy the stunning views of the expansive vineyard and purchase wines as souvenirs. Tsurunuma wines are known for their excellent quality and popularity.
Wine tasting is available at the small shop on-site.
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In early September, Tsurunuma offers pleasant weather with clear skies, cool air, and beautiful scenery.
The name “Tsurunuma” comes from “tsuru,” meaning crane, and “numa,” meaning pond. As you travel from Sapporo along Route 275, you may notice Tsurunuma Pond on your right.
See article below.
The largest vineyard in Japan is located at Tsurunuma Winery.
Tsurunuma Winery is located here, with a small shop on the right side.
You can sample some wines and purchase them as souvenirs.
Further along, you’ll come across two buildings.
One of them is the Tsurunuma Winery factory called ‘Keisaikan’ (恵彩館).
The other building used to be a vine warehouse, but it has since been relocated and preserved here. It was originally situated in the center of town.
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