Domaine Yui

Husband and wife team Tetsuya from Saitama and Aya from Tochigi met and fell in love while studying at Hokkaido University. Though they initially returned to Honshu after graduation, the island's beauty kept calling them back. Recognizing both Yoichi's winemaking potential and their deep connection to the region, they made a life-changing decision.

'We wanted to create wines we could be proud of in the Hokkaido we fell in love with during our university years,' they share. With this heartfelt vision, the Sugiyama couple relocated from Tokyo to Yoichi in 2017. After acquiring farmland, they trained at local Yoichi wineries and in New Zealand while developing their vineyards, ultimately obtaining their brewing license in fall 2020.

The name 'Yui' means 'connection,' reflecting their desire to cherish relationships with fellow winemakers and embrace the spirit of mutual support. They've thoughtfully divided their vineyards into distinct plots: 'Farm T,' inherited from previous growers and focused on table grapes, and 'Farm A,' which they planted themselves specifically for wine production.

Their commitment to transparency extends to their wine labels, which identify the exact plot where each wine's grapes were grown. 'Our wines showcase delicate aromas and a smooth, approachable character. We want to share delicious wines that truly capture Yoichi's exceptional climate,' Sugiyama explains.