JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”), and in August 2020 launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors,” cabin crew members selected through an in-house recruitment process who move to the area to promote initiatives in their respective regions. In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL Hometown Cheering Troops” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving on board. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We spoke with Sayaka Matsubara, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in promoting the appeal of Tokoname wine at the Chubu Branch Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello, this is Matsubara, JAL Furusato Ambassador for the Chubu region.
We are based in Nagoya with the hope of introducing many people to the charms of the Chubu region starting in April 2024.
Did you know that Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture is famous for its “Tokonameyaki” pottery, but in recent years it has also been attracting attention as a wine-producing region? This time, we visited the Tokoname Winery Neighborhood and experienced its charms.
Tokoname Winery, located about 15 minutes by car from Centrair, is a California-style winery started by the owner who was impressed by a winery in Oregon, USA, and wanted to create a similar winery.
This wine is made from grapes grown in clay soil unique to the pottery town, and is characterized by “bright acidity. The mild climate of the Chita Peninsula and the land facing the sea, where the sea breeze often blows, nurtures the grapes healthily and gives “minerality” to the wine. Because of its proximity to Obu City, which is famous for grape cultivation, a wide variety of grape varieties are grown in the area, producing many types of wines with rich individuality.
And the concept is fresh and easy-drinking wines that anyone can drink casually.
The exterior of the brewery has a large picture of Tokoname’s famous beckoning cat, giving it a very colorful and cute impression. The winery uses only a few wooden barrels and mainly stainless steel tanks to make the best use of the grapes as they are. This makes the wine very fresh and easy to drink.
In addition, the wine is aged in a “Tokoname ware jar” made for wine. This process removes the corners of the wine’s acidity, resulting in a milder wine. This is the only place in Japan that produces wine aged in a jar made of Tokoname ware.
At Sunset Walker Hill, a restaurant attached to Tokoname Winery, visitors can enjoy Tokoname wine with ingredients from the Chita Peninsula and the local Tokoname area while gazing out over the hillside to Ise Bay below.
The most popular dish is the Chita beef rump steak lunch.
I also had it with Tokoname Pinot Noir, and the bright acidity of the wine was a perfect match for the sweetness of the Chita beef. We hope you will all enjoy it as well.
Tokoname Winery also offers tours. The tour includes a visit to the winery’s vineyards and brewery, wine tasting, and a meal at the restaurant.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
A wine event “Wine Journey with JAL” will be held on June 28 at Nikko Style Nagoya “style kitchen” to introduce Tokoname Winery’s representative variety “Tokoname Chardonnay 2023” and California wines.
Under the theme of “Wine connects the charms of California and Tokai,” carefully selected California wines will be served, including Tokoname wines inspired by California wines and wines selected for JAL international first class flights. This is a special one-night-only event to introduce all the charm of wine. We look forward to seeing you there.
Through this event, we would like to contribute to the revitalization of the Tokai region by promoting the attractiveness of travel and food in the region.
–What is your message to travelers?
On May 25, Tokoname Winery will hold its semi-annual event, “Tokoname Winery Harvest Festival and Thanksgiving Day. Under the theme of “Chill in the patch” (spend chill time in the vineyard), visitors can freely enjoy the nature of Tokoname with a glass of Tokoname wine in hand, while relaxing and enjoying BBQ and other activities in the vineyard.
We encourage everyone to visit Tokoname Winery when you come to Centrair.
© Source travel watch
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