It was fruitful! Kitadai vineyard direct sales begins (Sanwa Ward, Joetsu City)

2020.8.17

Sanwa WardJoetsu CityKitadai vineyard

They are sweet and delicious even after the long rain!

The sale of grapes has started this year at the “Kitadai vineyard” in Sanwa-ku, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

Eight farmers grow grapes in the Kitadai vineyard.  Of these, at Amaya Farm, 15 grape varieties are cultivated in 4,000m² fields, and from August 12th, the harvest of purple “Early Steuben” and yellow-green “Himrod” began.

Early Steuben has sweetness and astringency, and has a deep flavor.  Himlod is characterized by its high water content and refreshing taste.

This year, the rainy season ended later than usual, and there were worries about disease due to the lack of sunshine. However, as a result of careful efforts such as the early removal of grapes succumbing to disease, the grapes became sweet as usual.

“I was worried about the harvest due to the lack of sunshine and long rain, but we have been able to have a good harvest as usual,” said Miss Minowa of Amaya Farm.

On the 14th of August, families visited the farm and enjoyed grape picking.  A woman visiting from the city said, “I came to pick grapes because there are limited places to go these days, due to COVID-19.  The grapes are very sweet and we felt very satisfied.”

The grapes are sold directly on the farm, but due to COVID-19, group reservations have been cancelled, and sales are expected to drop by about 30%.  Therefore, at the farm, grapes will be sold at the cafe “Manmaru Terrace” in the same Sanwa ward as well as at the JA direct sales store “Arurunbatake”.

Ms. Minowa at the Amaya Farm said, “In a vineyard, it’s hard to become crowded.  I want visitors to sterilize their hands before entering the store and then enjoy grape-tasting.”

Both Early Steuben and Himlod are 800 yen for 1kg.  Grape harvesting and sales will be until early October, with different varieties.