LOWBROW CRAFT

Originally from Chiba Prefecture, Akagi moved to Hokkaido in 2014, beginning a journey that would transform him from urban resident to dedicated viticulturist and winemaker. After working in grape cultivation at a farm for four years, gaining intimate knowledge of Hokkaido's unique growing conditions, he acquired his own vineyard in the Nobori district, a decision that marked the beginning of his independent winemaking journey.

While cultivating grapes, he trained for three years at the prestigious Domaine Takahiko, learning from one of Yoichi's most respected producers and absorbing the philosophy and techniques that would shape his own approach. Starting operations in October 2022, he chose to utilize a historic stone warehouse adjacent to Yoichi SAGRA in Nobori district that once served as a snow cellar for storing apples, connecting his work directly to the region's agricultural heritage.

In his first year, he embraced the collaborative spirit of the region by accepting grapes not only from his own vineyard but also from neighboring farms for winemaking, creating wines that tell the stories of multiple producers and their unique terroir. In his own vineyard, he cultivates Pinot Gris and Zweigelt at 1 hectare each, with particular passion for Zweigelt: 'Zweigelt is a wine grape that has been grown in Hokkaido for a long time. I want to make wine with fruitiness and elegance that can compete with Austria, its homeland,' demonstrating his ambition to honor both local tradition and international standards.

Akagi aims for unpretentious table wines that can be enjoyed with daily meals, reflecting his belief that great wine should be accessible and approachable rather than intimidating. Most importantly, he maintains a grounded perspective on his role: 'I don't want to forget that I'm a grape producer rather than just a wine brewer,' a philosophy that keeps him connected to the agricultural roots that make exceptional winemaking possible.