Japan's Ushiku in Ibaraki Pref. aims to become major wine region

USHIKU, Ibaraki -- The city government of Ushiku, home to Japan's first full-scale winemaking facility, is launching an initiative to turn the city into a major wine-producing region. Ushiku Chateau, established in 1903, will play a key role in the city's new program. The comprehensive plan will support grape cultivation, wine production, sales and tourism by providing financial assistance and resources to grape growers and winemakers.

By fiscal 2031, the city aims to double wine output and wine-grape cultivation land area. Ushiku Chateau, designated an important cultural property by the Japanese government in 2008 and a Japan Heritage property in 2020, will be central to the initiative. The city will allocate 5.97 million yen for the wine initiative, offering subsidies for grape seedlings, trellises, fencing, and rain shelters.

The municipal government will also provide up to 10 million yen in financial assistance for new wineries and is considering special designation as a wine-production zone. Mayor Kazutoshi Numata emphasized the city's connection to the wine industry, aiming to elevate Ushiku as a recognized wine-producing region.