Join us as we welcome Coco Farm & Winery from Japan to Cork Restaurant for a wine tasting and glass pour takeover! We are so excited to be representing these wines in Vermont!
Sunday May 18th from 5-7 pm
More Info: Coco Farm & Winery was founded in 1958 in the Ashikaga mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, originated from the cultivation efforts of local junior high school students led by teacher Mr Noboru Kawada. The winery’s mission was to provide a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities and others to showcase their abilities and vitality. In 1969, Kokoromi Gakuen, a school supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, was established nearby.
Despite initial challenges, including the inability to obtain a fruit wine production license, Coco Farm & Winery was officially established in 1980 by Mr. Kawada and supporters who shared his vision. With the granting of a production license in 1984, the winery began producing wine.
Mr. Bruce Gutlove, a key figure in the winery’s history and current director, joined in 1989, bringing expertise from his work in California. The ethos of the winery revolves around a promise to prioritize quality regardless of who the winemaker is.
Over the years, the winery has achieved significant milestones, including producing sparkling wine for the G8 meeting in Okinawa in 2000. Notable figures like Mr. Hideki Ishii and Mr. Toyoichiro Shibata contribute to the winery’s viticulture and winemaking processes, respectively.
The winery’s vineyards, located in Ashikaga and Sano, boast unique geological compositions that contribute to the depth of their wines. With a focus on indigenous Japanese grape varieties and natural winemaking techniques, Coco Farm & Winery emphasizes sustainable practices and a deep connection to nature.
From fermentation with wild yeasts to aging in natural cellars, the winery’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident. Despite the ephemeral nature of their product, the team dedicates themselves to excellence in winemaking, embodying Mr. Kawada’s philosophy of giving their best effort in the face of nature’s vastness.