7c villa & winery opens, enhancing Yamanashi’s wine culture

Otomo Resort has announced the July 2024 opening of “7c villa & winery,” Japan’s first winery villa located in Fujikawaguchiko Town. This initiative will expand the region’s flourishing wine culture while generating local collaboration and resource utilization.

Nestled in an area renowned as the birthplace of Japanese wine, “7c villa & winery” offers guests an immersive experience where they can relax and engage directly with the wine-making process. This accommodation is uniquely designed to enhance visitors’ connection to the local terroir, integrating comfortable stays with direct access to the vineyards and specialized wine-making facilities.

The villa’s design and operations focus on fostering a deep relationship with local grape growers. Unlike typical wineries that spotlight the role of winemakers, Otomo Resort emphasizes the critical contributions of local vine cultivators. By tailoring wine production processes to highlight the unique characteristics of each grape variety, and segregating tanks and barrels by grower, the winery promotes a collaborative approach that culminates in a harmonious blend of distinct local flavors.

Furthermore, Otomo Resort extends its local engagement through “Travel Station kawaguchiko base,” a modern road station concept also situated on the same premises. This facility is designed to showcase and promote the local natural environment, cultural heritage, and culinary offerings. By linking the winery with this retail and educational hub, the resort pioneers a comprehensive approach to regional development, termed “sixth-sector industrialization.” This strategy integrates agricultural production, beverage manufacturing, and retail operations, aiming to stimulate local economic growth and community revitalization.

Highlighting the practical applications of this local collaboration, the villa’s lounge offers an exclusive menu featuring wines paired with regional ingredients, and evening sessions hosted by “Ushi Oku,” a local meat specialist established in 1927. These sessions not only provide a gastronomic delight for guests but also enhance the visibility and market for local agricultural products.

By focusing on local collaboration and sustainable practices, Otomo Resort not only contributes to the preservation and promotion of Yamanashi’s rich wine heritage but also sets a precedent for responsible tourism and community-centric business models. Through these efforts, the resort hopes to inspire a new movement in the area, enhancing both the local economy and the overall visitor experience.