A Festival Touring Yoichi's Wineries: Open Farm Festival "La Fête des Vignerons" 2025

La Fête des Vignerons à YOICHI (Farm Open Day Festival) is held every year in Yoichi Town, Hokkaido.

In French, “a festival of wine producers,”this event is a special day when local wineries and farms open their doors all at once to welcome visitors.

The date for 2025 was September 7. For Japanese wine fans, it became a long-awaited opportunity to fully experience Yoichi's wine culture.

Rain had been falling right up until the morning of the event. But as registration began in the morning, the clouds rapidly parted, revealing blue skies. Though traces of rain remained underfoot, a refreshing breeze blew across the vineyards, and the grape leaves glistened in the sunlight.

“Today is going to be a fantastic day”—wrapped in a sense of anticipation, visitors from across the country gathered at the registration area one after another.

Many wine lovers came to Yoichi not only from Hokkaido, but from all over Japan, including Tokyo and Kansai. With wine glasses in hand, participants toured the farms, enjoying the scenery and wine unique to Yoichi.

People walking against the backdrop of vineyards was truly a scene of "life with wine." Simply walking through the vineyards was a special experience that let us feel Yoichi's terroir firsthand.

Starting from the reception area, access to each venue was via shuttle bus or on foot. The buses operated between designated stops, making it easy to hop on and off as you pleased.

Vineyards stretched out along the walk as well, making the journey itself—glass in hand—part of the event. Even the time spent traveling felt like a precious moment immersed in Yoichi's iconic scenery.

At each winery booth, prized bottles were lined up, ready to be enjoyed casually by the glass.

The system operated on a pay-as-you-go basis. One of the main attractions was being able to taste rare, limited-edition wines at affordable prices of 300 to 400 yen.

At some booths, the winemakers themselves poured the wine and shared the story behind it. Enjoying a glass while chatting directly with the producer is a luxury unique to this event.

Walking with a glass of wine in hand, mouthwatering aromas filled the air. Numerous food stalls lined the venue, serving options like takoyaki, pizza, and even wine shaved ice.

Dishes made with local ingredients all paired brilliantly with the wines. Grabbing a bite to satisfy a light appetite before heading to the next winery—a natural, enjoyable cycle quickly formed.

Enjoying a dish outdoors offered a "luxury unique to Yoichi" that simply cannot be replicated in a city restaurant.

The Farm Open Festival is not merely a tasting event. The true value of this event lies in the very dedication of the producers rooted in the land of Yoichi coming together as one to introduce their wines to the entire country.

When producers and consumers meet directly and share glasses while exchanging words, wine begins to take on a "story" that is more than just a drink.

Blessed with good weather, the 2025 Farm Open Festival was once again a wonderfully lively success.

The pleasant breeze blowing through Yoichi's vineyards and the smiles of the people gathered there—all of it felt as though it symbolized the future of Japanese wine.

“La Fête des Vignerons à YOICHI” is a day to fully experience the allure of Yoichi.

Under the blue sky after the rain, people gathered from all across Japan walk through the vineyards glass in hand and talk with the producers—layer upon layer of such moments that further elevate the value of Yoichi.

New encounters and surprises are sure to await at the next event.

For those who have never visited, I hope you will come and experience this “festival” for yourself at least once.