From Salaryman to Winery President
Kazumi Honda, President of Fukushima Farmers Dream Wine, became the second-generation head of the winery in autumn 2022.
With a smile, he recalls how he used to dislike his name as a child because people teased him about it. In person, however, his appearance may seem a bit rugged, but he is soft-spoken and approachable, reflecting his background as a former sales professional.
A Turning Point in Midlife
Born in December 1976, Honda began his career at a wholesale market company after graduating from school. He later moved to a food distribution company, where he worked in sales and delivery for restaurants and hospitals.
As he entered his 40s, he began to feel that while continuing his life as a salaried worker was not a bad path, he also wanted to challenge himself and pursue something more exciting.
A Bold Career Change
In the autumn of 2019, just before turning 43, he made a major decision.
“If I’m going to make a move, now is the time.”
With that determination, he changed careers and joined the winery located in the Towa district of Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima, where his family home is based.
The winery had been established in 2012 by eight local farmers aiming to revitalize the region. One of those founding members was Honda’s father, Kazuya.
Returning to His Roots
Honda decided to join the winery because he wanted to contribute to his hometown through both the winery and his family’s grape cultivation.
Three years after he joined, all eight founding members stepped down and entrusted the future of the winery to a younger generation.
Among the remaining three members, Honda was selected as president due to his age and extensive business experience.
Leading the Next Generation
Although he is still relatively new in his role as president, there are high expectations for his leadership in advancing the local wine industry and revitalizing the region.
His decision to leave a stable career and take on a new challenge reflects both courage and a strong commitment to his community. Through wine, he aims to contribute to the future of his hometown, inspiring others along the way.
A Winery Built by Local Farmers
Growing Wine from the Land
Fukushima Farmers Dream Wine is located in the Towa district of Nihonmatsu City, an area known for its organic farming.
The winery began by reclaiming abandoned mulberry fields once used for sericulture and planting grapevines. Working together with local farmers, they have steadily increased production each year.
They cultivate a variety of grape types, including Yama Sauvignon, a hybrid of wild grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Muscat Bailey A, Black Queen, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
How the Winery Began
The winery itself was born from a simple idea shared among local farmers who wanted to revitalize their town.
During a casual gathering, someone suggested, “Why not make wine? We can use the abandoned fields, and wine might attract more visitors, especially women.”
That conversation led to the founding of the winery in 2012, funded by eight local farmers.
Overcoming Challenges After the Disaster
In the early days, following the reputational damage caused by the nuclear accident after the 2011 earthquake, the winery purchased unsold apples and began producing cider and apple wine.
Today, they produce more than 20 varieties of wine and cider. One of their wines has even been selected to be served on JR East’s luxury train, TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima.
A Small Team with a Big Vision
The original eight founders have now stepped back into advisory roles, and the winery is currently managed by a small team of three staff members.
