MINAMI-SANRIKU, Miyagi -- A winery opened Wednesday in Minami-Sanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, which is an area that was hit hard by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
A group of volunteers and others, who have been involved in the region's reconstruction, started cultivating grapes and making wine in 2017 with the hope to revitalize the town with a new industry.
The Minami-Sanriku Winery is built along the Shizugawa Bay, which was hit by waves that were more than 20 meters. Kaichu Jukusei Wine, or wine that has been aged underwater, is the most sought-after bottle at the winery and only a limited number have been made available. It is made by submerging the previous years' wine in the bay for six months and allowing it to mature underwater.
"I want the town to be the place where people gather to enjoy local wines and food," said Minami-Sanriku Winery President Michihiko Sasaki, 47.
The wine is made with help from oyster farmers who have experience cultivating shellfish, which is a local specialty.
A wine tasting event is set to be held on Saturday.
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