Join the Vine Planting Experience at Itaya Farm in Hakui City

A vine planting experience for winemaking grapes will be held on April 5th and 6th, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday) at the vineyard of Itaya Farm in Ao-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

A total of 1,100 vines, including Chardonnay, Albariño, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, will be planted. Anyone can participate for free as long as they bring rubber boots, gloves, comfortable clothing that can get dirty, and sufficient hydration.

Itaya Farm was founded in March 2021 by Ken’ichi Fujishima, an occupational therapist who has been engaged in disability support for many years. He opened the vineyard by reclaiming abandoned farmland in the sandy dunes of Ao-machi, Hakui City, to support employment for people with disabilities and revitalize the local community.

Initially covering 1.2 hectares, the vineyard has since expanded to 2.2 hectares, now cultivating approximately 3,000 winemaking grapevines.

With this latest expansion of 40 areas (4,000 square meters), an additional 1,100 vines will be planted.

Grape seedlings waiting to be planted

Previously, the planting experience was limited to vine owners, but this time, to make winemaking cultivation more accessible, the event is open to the public. The experience will be held in morning and afternoon sessions on both days.

For more details and registration, please visit the official application form (Japanese only).

Looking ahead, Itaya Farm is planning to build a winery and an adjacent restaurant on a nearby slope, with plans to begin its own winemaking operations.

Sand from the dunes of Hakui City

(Hokuroku Editorial Team’s Comments: In recent years, more and more people in the Hokuriku region have been taking on the challenge of winemaking. As a wine lover myself, I’m thrilled about this trend. Not only that, but many local wineries have won prestigious international awards, showcasing their remarkable achievements. From an outsider’s perspective, regions engaged in sake or wine production often appear culturally rich, and I believe this has a positive effect on the local community. In Toyama Prefecture, for example, Himi City and Nanto City have significantly enhanced their regional brands thanks to their wineries. Establishing high-quality accommodations as well would be a perfect combination.
—Akashi, producer

My brewer friends and I often discuss “terroir.” Terroir refers to the concept of “brewing the land itself,” extending beyond sake to encompass the entire process of growing agricultural products and making alcohol. Tree planting is also an essential element of terroir creation—I highly encourage you to experience it!
—Takei, Development Producer

Imagine the excitement of having wine made from grapes you planted yourself! Participating with your children and celebrating with Itaya Farm’s wine once they grow up would be truly special. It warmly invites you and your family!
—Takahashi, Editor

Text, Photography, Translation, and Editing: Masayoshi Sakamoto