I went alone and there was another couple at the counter. The sommelier master was very gentlemanly and served delicious wine. He has been running the shop for 11 years and is a local in Hakodate. Soon, I was alone and had a lively conversation about wine and cheese with the master, which showed his love for wine. The prices are reasonable, with champagne being relatively cheap. They offer monthly glass wine selections. I would like to visit again when I come back to Hakodate.

A restaurant where you can enjoy delicious wine with added essence. Experience the professional work of a sommelier that creates a wonderful atmosphere for a great time.

I heard from a sommelier at a well-known restaurant in Hakodate, Hokkaido that when I arrived at the restaurant, I was surprised to see that it was the same place my father and I had visited a few years ago. We had a Jose Arbois 2014 Rose, a Juradomein Corepe La Canope Juranson Sec 2003, and a Petit Manseng 100% Juranson. The Juranson Sec, a dry white wine, was excellent with its aging potential and great acidity. We also tried a Madiran Chapelle Rankro 2011 and a Caorle Le Cedre 2011, which was a blend of Malbec (90%), Merlot (5%), and Tannat (5%). I had only tried cheaper Caorle wines before, but this one was comparable to Bordeaux. I learned a lot about mineral water as well. The Master Sommelier's expertise was evident in the unique selection of wines from different regions. There were many hidden gems like grand crus, but even in Hakodate, not to mention Susukino, the prices were a bit steep. It might be slightly cheaper than Tokyo though.

This trip was the second wine bar I visited (the first one was in Nemuro). The regular customer was drinking at the counter, so I sat at a table. The regular customer left at some point, and then three young customers came in. Time passed leisurely. The master runs the place with great attention to detail, and it's a lovely, high-quality yet unpretentious establishment. Even though I may be a bit of a wine novice, the master is the real deal, and many sommeliers in Hokkaido probably look up to him as a role model. He has a wonderful way of connecting with customers while maintaining a comfortable distance. When I visited, they were serving various wines from the Jura region of France by the glass. I tried a Chardonnay and a Pinot. The Pinot had a rustic flavor different from Burgundy. Because of the pleasant experience and conversation with the master, I would like to visit again. Thank you for the enjoyable time and drinks.

This shop is also a main member of "Gasubari" and I have had wine in Hakodate Bar Street before, which left me with a good impression. So, this time, I visited the shop. The location is about a 3-minute walk from the tram stop in front of Goryokaku Park. The first floor is a wine shop, and if you go up the stairs next to it, there is a wine bar. The interior of the shop is clean and stylish, with both counter and table seating, and of course, a wide selection of wines. I'm not good with alcohol, so I mention that I can only have one glass, but I am seated promptly and warmly. There was only one wine enthusiast at the counter as a customer on this day. It seems that the shop is run by one person, so it might be better to go with some extra time. It can get quite crowded on weekends. The shop owner used to work at a hotel, so the service was polite and classy. I later found out from a friend that he is one of only two Master Sommeliers in Hokkaido. The shop menu is simple and easy to understand, with prices clearly displayed. Glasses start from 800 yen. Every January, they recommend Hokkaido wines. Since I was in Hakodate, I asked for "Hakodate Wine." "Gartnere Kellner Wood Barrel Fermentation '08 Hakodate Wine" for 1200 yen a glass is a dry white wine. According to the description, it is made from 100% Kellner grapes harvested in a contracted farm in Yoichi in 2008. It is a rare white wine fermented in wooden barrels in this class. It has a moderate barrel aroma and a crisp acidity that tightens the aftertaste. The white wine poured into the large wine glass had various scents when I brought my face close, making even me, a lightweight drinker, very enjoyable. When I took a sip, it was soft and very easy to drink. I was served thinly sliced bread as a snack, and both the edamame bread and grape bread were delicious. They are lightly crispy. It's a bread that goes well with wine, maybe from "Konahiki Koya" or "Pain-ya"? Gartnere glass of wine for 1200 yen plus 100 yen, so a total of 1300 yen. I'm grateful! Thank you for the meal. I'm a complete wine novice, so I don't really understand, but I had a great time at this shop and felt like I want to come back again.

ChateaudelaPompe is a wonderful wine bar that I always visit when going out for drinks. The name "ChateaudelaPompe" is a French slang term meaning "tap water." It really captures the French spirit. The owner, Mr. Kubo, invited us to try a '53 Lafite in the New Year. It was a great opportunity that I was very happy about. Money isn't the issue with experiences like this. It's rare to come across such opportunities. On February 5th, four of us went together. The lineup for the day included a champagne from the Rothschild family to set the mood. The Lafite bottle was wrapped in plastic, with "fruit wine" visible on the neck, giving it a vintage feel. The anticipation was high! A vintage wine like this, known as a "GRANDSVINS," how would it taste? It finally arrived! Aged and starting to resemble a Burgundy wine, but still with a dark hue. Normally, wines don't last over 50 years without deteriorating or turning into vinegar. Enjoying a wine like this with the service of a master sommelier is truly a luxury. However, it leaves you wanting more, like trying a Lafite at its prime next time! It's like a chain of desires that just keeps growing. Despite feeling happy, I couldn't help but feel like I had taken another step deeper into the wine world.

Had a meal at the wine bar "chateaudelapompe" in Honcho, Hakodate City. The customer who guided us to the restaurant lives nearby and often visits. It's envy-inducing to have such a nice place near your home. The restaurant is on the second floor, with a wine shop on the first floor. We enjoyed a platter of sausages and a platter of cheeses while having wine. I forgot the name, but the red wine from South Africa and the goat cheese were delicious. chateaudelapompe 7-2201 Honcho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 138-53-4005 Opening hours: 19:00-24:00 Closed on Sundays.

I visited this restaurant alone for the first time, and then with two friends who live in Hakodate for the second time. It is truly a wonderful place. During my first visit, I asked, "Could I have a Pinot Noir for around 10,000 yen?" and Mr. Nakata kindly served me his Chambolle-Musigny. I love Chambolle-Musigny, so I was really happy (I know some might say, "You don't know anything about wine," but please forgive me). Since we arrived at 6:00 pm, there were no other customers, so I was able to spend a really happy time chatting with the owner and listening to various stories. As mentioned above, I wrote that it is the best in Hakodate, but based on my limited experience, I think it is one of the best wine bars in Japan. During the second visit with a friend and his wife, the wife said, "I don't like sour wines," so I requested, "Please recommend a wine that is not sour (not Pinot) and suits this couple. I introduced them to you, so please." The master smiled and brought us a Cahors. It took a while because he held it until it was decanted and opened. The day was very busy, and he carried it for us even during the move between locations. The taste was of course excellent (not as good as Lafite, though), and the wife was satisfied, which saved my reputation. The food is quite ordinary, and the place is a bit crowded at times, but I would like to give it a perfect score overall. If you ever go to Hakodate, this is a must-visit place. Personally, I hope all wine bar owners will learn from this master. He is very humble and gentle, but I heard he is one of only two Master Sommeliers in Hokkaido.