We have been conducting researches on FPP on the theme of "Healthy Aging", aimed at achieving to reduce medical costs though preventive medicine.

On 8th of August, just before the Obon holiday in Japan, we had our annual grape harvest day at the ORI Vineyard.

This year brought many challenges - prolonged rains during the rainy season caused the spread of diseases, and at times we worried whether would be able to harvest at all. Despite these difficulties, both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ripened beautifully, yielding grapes with remarkable clarity and freshness.

In late July, while having hot days with record-breaking heat, we started patrolling the vineyards from 5 a.m. to prevent the monkeys from stealing and picking the grapes until the harvest day. Thanks to everyone's dedication, the damage was minimum, and we were able to welcome harvest day.

On the morning of the harvest, with another hot and humid day ahead, we gathered at 4:30 a.m. under a sky still dotted with stars, began our work in the slightly cool air of dawn.

Due to unstable weather during the rainy season, this year's yield was 72.06kg of Pinot Noir and 132.24kg of Chardonnay, totaling 204.3kg - less than last year. Still, it once again reminded us how challenging organic grape cultivation can be in such hot and humid environment, and how deeply rewarding it is to work hand in hand with nature.

The grapes that grew strong despite disease and heat will surely become a fine, flavorful wine. We look forward to tasting the fruits of this year's harvest, and will continue working with dedication and respect for the power of nature.

Pre-dawn Meeting on Harvest Day

Heavy with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Grapes

Dawn in the ORI Vineyard

Hands-on Grape Picking with a Team of Three

Weighing and Recording the Harvested Grapes

Team Member Photo at the ORI Vineyard