Agri-Cœur
Kaminoyama, Yamagata
Overview
Agri-Cœur is a wine project based in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, founded by Japanese winemaker Hiroaki Katayose.
The name combines Agri (agriculture) and Cœur (heart), expressing the philosophy of creating wines that reflect the land, the people, and the spirit of the region.
Agri-Cœur aims to produce wines that can only be made in Kaminoyama—wines that express terroir to its fullest and are shaped by the sensibility of the winemaker himself.
Winemaker – Hiroaki Katayose
Hiroaki Katayose’s first encounter with wine began during his university years, when he worked part-time at a wine bar. After graduating, he entered the hospitality industry, but his growing passion for wine led him on a two-week journey across France.
In 2003, Katayose moved to France, where he assisted at a domaine while studying the language. He later spent six years in Dijon, Beaune, and Champagne, gaining hands-on experience at multiple estates while studying viticulture and oenology.
Although he had opportunities to continue his career in France, his ambition was to make wine in Japan. He returned with his family and joined Domaine Tetta in Okayama in 2013. During the winery’s preparation period, he trained at 10R Winery in Hokkaido. After Domaine Tetta’s winery was completed in 2016, he served as the head of vinification.
In 2022, Katayose relocated to Kaminoyama City, Yamagata, leaving the winery to begin a new chapter. His decision was driven by a desire to protect the region’s agricultural environment and preserve it for future generations.
Philosophy of Agri-Cœur
Agri-Cœur is built on the belief that wine is a form of agricultural expression and cultural art.
The project seeks to respect nature, history, and human intention, producing wines that honestly convey their origin.
Katayose believes that everything has value, even if it has been overlooked by trends or modern standards. Through wine, he hopes to reconnect people with the land and share the unique character of Kaminoyama with both Japanese and international audiences.
Vineyard and Terroir
Kaminoyama City lies at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range in Yamagata Prefecture. Historically known as a castle town and hot spring destination, the area has a rich food culture that includes cherries, soba noodles, imoni (potato stew), and tamakonnyaku.
The region’s climate is characterized by extreme temperature differences, well-drained soils, and dedicated grape growers with decades of experience. These conditions make Kaminoyama an ideal environment for wine production.
In 2015, the city launched the Kaminoyama Wine Country Project, a public-private initiative supporting winery establishment and wine grape cultivation, including designation as a special wine production zone.
Vineyards and Winemaking
Katayose currently manages a vineyard in the Haraguchi district of Kaminoyama, planted with 20-year-old Delaware grapes trained on pergolas. The vineyard was previously used for table grapes under conventional farming methods.
After taking over, he transitioned to grass-covered cultivation, reduced pesticide use, and shifted production toward seeded Delaware grapes for winemaking.
Since 2023, Agri-Cœur has expanded both its estate-managed vineyards and its use of purchased grapes. Vinification has been carried out using facilities at Fattoria AL FIORE in Miyagi Prefecture.
Hokujyun – A Rare Local Grape
One of the most significant grape varieties used by Agri-Cœur is Hokujyun, a rare grape native to Kaminoyama.
Planted more than 40 years ago by local growers passionate about wine grapes, Hokujyun was long considered unsuitable for winemaking due to its high acidity. As a result, it became increasingly rare, with only a few growers—said to be four—still cultivating it in Kaminoyama today.
“Hokujyun is a grape that has been carefully grown and protected by our predecessors in this region. I want to respect their wishes. Everything has value—it simply hasn’t been recognized by the times or trends,” says Katayose.
“I want people not only in Japan but also abroad to experience wines made from these grapes.”
Through Hokujyun, Agri-Cœur seeks to revive a nearly forgotten piece of Japan’s viticultural heritage and express the deep connection between land, history, and people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Agri-Cœur located?
Agri-Cœur is based in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, at the foot of the Zao mountain range.
What type of wines does Agri-Cœur produce?
Agri-Cœur produces terroir-driven Japanese wines, focusing on local grape varieties and minimal intervention winemaking.
What makes Agri-Cœur unique?
Its emphasis on regional identity, rare grape varieties such as Hokujyun, and the winemaker’s deep commitment to preserving agriculture for future generations.
