2025.10.02
｜ TOURS
ROOT AND PRODUCERS | Savor Hakodate’s Terroir on a Half-Day Tour of Southern Hokkaido’s Artisanal Producers
Savor Hakodate’s Terroir on a Half-Day Tour of Southern Hokkaido’s Artisanal Producers
This tour takes you to the producers pioneering the future of food culture in the Hakodate region. At a winery established by the prestigious de Montille family of Burgundy, you will explore the philosophy of natural winemaking that brings the land itself to the glass. You will also visit a producer of wild venison, deeply connected to both nature and life. Seasonally, you may accompany an actual hunt and observe the careful and respectful preparation of the venison. Through this journey, you will discover the rich flavors nurtured by Hakodate’s distinctive terroir and gain insight into how these artisans are shaping “the future of food”.
《Book or Inquire Here》
Please note: This experience is available exclusively to guests staying at “The Old Soma Residence Kazeno Heritage”, “NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Port Town”, or select partner facilities in Hakodate.
【Highlights of this Journey】
Visit Pioneering Producers: Meet the passionate artisans—a winemaker and a hunter—leading Hakodate’s food culture into the future.
Domaine de Montille & Hokkaido: Explore the philosophy of terroir-driven winemaking at a winery established by the prestigious de Montille family of Burgundy, and enjoy a curated tasting of their exceptional wines.
Into the Wild with an Active Hunter: Gain insight into the Ezo deer ecosystem and the cycle of nature and life. Seasonally, you may accompany an authentic hunt and observe the careful preparation of the venison.
A Culinary Exploration: After your tour, savor a dinner featuring Hakodate’s finest local ingredients (optional).
【Introducing the Producers You Will Visit: Domaine de Montille & Hokkaido】
For nearly three centuries, Domaine de Montille has stood as one of France’s most prestigious family-owned wineries in Burgundy. Its proprietor, Étienne de Montille, selected Hakodate as “a new frontier of possibility for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.” With deep respect for the local terroir—including limestone-rich soils and a cool, maritime climate—they employ methods that draw out the land’s full vitality. On this tour, you will hear directly why they chose Hakodate and the philosophy behind their winemaking, accompanied by a tasting of wines born from their passion.
【Introducing the Producers You Will Visit: Sauvage de Hakodate】
“Sauvage” means “wild” in French. At Sauvage de Hakodate, Ezo deer—as well as other mountain-dwelling wildlife such as brown bears and game birds—are honored as irreplaceable “gifts from the mountains,” even if some are sometimes considered nuisances due to overpopulation. Skilled hunters enter the mountains with reverence for nature, and through careful, respectful processing, transform the meat into refined, high-quality game—rich in umami, free from gaminess. This rare experience invites reflection on the cycles of nature and the profound responsibility of taking life to sustain another.
【Experience Details】
〇 Winery + Hunting (Spring & Autumn only)
Duration： Approx. 5 hours
Availability： March–June, September ※Please inquire regarding irregular closures
Reservation Period： From 3 months to 1 week in advance
Group Size： Limited to one group of 1–3 guests
Tour Escort： A driver-guide or interpreter-guide will accompany you
〇 Winery Only (Year-round)
Duration： 2.5–3 hours
Availability： Generally year-round ※Please inquire regarding irregular closures
Reservation Period： From 3 months to 1 week in advance
Group Size： Limited to one group of 1–6 guests (larger groups may be arranged upon request)
Tour Escort： A driver-guide or interpreter-guide will accompany you
〇 Hunting Only (Winter only)
Duration： Approx. 3 hours (tour only)
Availability： October–February ※Please inquire regarding irregular closures
Group Size： Limited to one group of 1–3 guests
Tour Escort： A driver-guide or interpreter-guide will accompany you
【Price Guideline (per person, including tax and service charge)】
〇Winery + Hunting (Spring & Autumn only)
Foreign-language tour: from ¥67,000
Japanese-language tour: from ¥54,000
〇Winery Only (Year-round)
Foreign-language tour: from ¥49,000
Japanese-language tour: from ¥30,000
〇Hunting Only (Winter only)
Foreign-language tour: from ¥43,000
Japanese-language tour: from ¥30,000
※Prices may vary depending on the season, group size, and specific arrangements.
※Hunting does not guarantee a successful hunt.
【Sample Schedule】＜Day 1＞
【Sample Schedule】＜Day 2＞
【What’s Included】
Private car round-trip transportation between the city center and the producers.
Winemaker-guided tour with expert commentary
Wine tasting (special plan: compare 3 varieties with snacks)
Explanation of hunting and processing by a wild game expert
Accompaniment during the Ezo deer hunt (by car)
Certified guide-interpreter or driver-guide
〈Recommended Attire & What to Bring〉
For hunter-accompanied tours, wear dark-colored outdoor clothing for safety.
Waterproof boots or trekking shoes are recommended.
【Accommodation】
The Old Soma Residence Kazeno Heritage
Stay Within a National Important Cultural Property
Set on a hilltop in Hakodate’s Motomachi district, within the Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, Kyu-Soma-ke Kazeno Heritage is a heritage hotel of no more than three guest parties per day, housed in the former residence of the wealthy merchant Tetsuhei Soma—built in 1908 (Meiji 41) and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Once the daytime public viewing ends, the residence becomes a private retreat reserved solely for overnight guests, where you can savor its blend of Japanese and Western architectural beauty and sweeping views of Hakodate Bay all to yourself.
▶ Website
NIPPONIA HOTEL HAKODATE PORT TOWN
Stay in a Red Brick Warehouse, a Symbol of Hakodate
Located within the Red Brick Warehouse district, an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Minatomachi is an intimate 9-room auberge housed in one of the city’s iconic restored warehouses.
Experience a truly refined stay while immersing yourself in the history and culture of Hakodate.
▶ Website
【How to Book】
Step 1: Choose Your Experience
Select your desired experience from our five unique plans. It is also possible to combine multiple experiences.
Step 2: Send an Inquiry
Using the inquiry form, please let us know your desired experience, preferred dates, number of guests, and any other requests.
《Book or Inquire Here》
Step 3: Receive a Proposal
Our dedicated concierge will create a customized travel plan and quote based on your request. (Please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests due to the schedules of our producers and guides, facility maintenance, etc.)
Step 4: Confirm Your Booking
Once you are satisfied with the proposed plan, we will proceed with the official booking process.
【Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)】
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. A predetermined cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellations. For details, please refer to the “Travel Conditions / Before You Apply” section at the bottom of this page.
Q. Can you accommodate dietary allergies?
A. Yes. Please inform us of any food allergies at the time of booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Q. Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?
A. Absolutely. Many of our plans include an interpreter or licensed guide, allowing you to enjoy your experience with complete peace of mind.
[Travel Terms and Conditions: Please Read Carefully Before Booking]
This tour is an organized package tour planned and operated by Value Management Co., Ltd. Before booking, please be sure to read the following items and the “Travel Terms and Conditions (Full Text).”
<< Regarding the Contract >> The travel contract between the customer and our company shall be concluded when our company accepts the contract and receives the deposit.
<< Payment of Tour Fare >> Please pay the tour fare by the date specified by our company.
<< Cancellation Fees (Cancellation Policy) >> If you cancel your reservation, the following cancellation fees will apply. Please check the “Travel Terms andConditions” for details. (Note: The fees below are a standard example. Please revise this section based on your company’s official terms and conditions.)
- Up to 21 days prior (counting backward from the day before the tour start date): No charge
- 20 days to 8 days prior: 20% of the tour fare
- 7 days to 2 days prior: 30% of the tour fare
- The day before the tour start date: 40% of the tour fare
- On the day of the tour start date: 50% of the tour fare
- Cancellation after the tour has started or no-show (non-participation without notice): 100% of the tour fare