GRAPE REPUBLIC
Founded in 2017 by restaurateurs & sommeliers Kazuomi Fujimaki and Takayuki Taira, Grape Republic emerged from a desire to breathe new life into neglected farmland in Taira’s hometown of Nanyo City, Yamagata prefecture (Japan). By bridging Yamagata’s aging farming community with fresh & modern perspectives on natural winemaking, Grape Republic became a beacon of hope for sustainable regional development in the city that is steeped in grape-growing history.
Under the dynamic leadership of Kazuomi Fujimaki in their initial years, Grape Republic has outlined a clear vision for their wine: vibrant and distinctive Japanese wines crafted in a “freestyle” manner from traditional grapes of Yamagata prefecture. Alongside fellow innovative Japanese winemakers, Grape Republic plays a pivotal role in fostering an appreciation for wines made from hybrids and non-European grapes.
Many Grape Republic wines are captivating blends of green, pink, and blue grapes – enhanced by touches of skin contact & amphora aging, resulting in refreshing & approachable wines brimming with energy. This came from Fujimaki’s fondness for northern Italian orange wines like Josko Gravner and Paolo Vodopivec, as well as wines from younger innovative winemakers from Australia & New Zealand.
Interestingly, Alex Craighead from Kindeli (New Zealand) plays an important role in the development of Grape Republic. As a partner & mentor to the young winemakers, he has been helping them with practical work in the winery since the beginning. These days, the winery serves as a global hub for young winemakers, chefs & wine enthusiasts, welcoming them into their cellar to explore new Japanese wine.
Similar to Kindeli wines, all Grape Republic wines are zero-zero natural, meaning there is no use of what is considered superfluous in winemaking. Their wines are covered in a healthy eco-cycle. Gibberellin treatment – a common seed elimination practice in Japanese grape cultivation is NOT applied at Grape Republic. This is to preserve the acid surrounding the seeds, which is deemed essential for winemaking.
In 2019, young innovative winemaker Haruyuki Yano joined the force at the winery, taking over winemaking and becoming the face of Grape Republic. Haru, enriched by experiences in New Zealand under the mentorship of Alex Craighead, now steers the Grape Republic towards even greater heights.
