New Series Launches to "Read, Know, and Taste" the Charm of Hokkaido Wine

J.S.A. Wine Expert / Wine Life Coordinator Saori Abe

"Western Cuisine NiNi" (Kita-ku, Sapporo City) is launching a collaboration project with Saori Abe, a J.S.A. Wine Expert and Wine Life Coordinator, as a new initiative to multiply convey the charm of Hokkaido's "Japanese Wine." As the first step, a serialized column "Hokkaido Wine Journey: Saori Abe x Western Cuisine NiNi" will start on the official website from Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

In this series, while visiting wineries across Hokkaido, we will introduce the passion of the makers, the individuality of the land, and the winemaking scenes. Additionally, through pairings with the dishes of Western Cuisine NiNi, we will disseminate new ways to enjoy Hokkaido's "Japanese Wine," which is beginning to shape local communities.

● Background of the Collaboration In recent years, Hokkaido's wine has been highly evaluated domestically and internationally, attracting attention from restaurants worldwide and specialized wine magazines. Western Cuisine NiNi has curated a selection focusing on Hokkaido-produced wines and has conveyed their charm through food pairings. On the other hand, Saori Abe, as a wine expert and wine life coordinator, has been continuously promoting the charm of Hokkaido-produced wine for many years. She engages in Hokkaido wine promotion projects through planning wine events, giving lectures, creating content for winery tours focusing on winemaking as a local resource, and writing activities.