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Andrew Korevec – La Concha Owner, Vineyard Manager and Winemaker

My interest in wine began while sipping chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons on our porch in North Carolina made by my father in the basement.  I was fascinated and hooked.  Since then, I have been richly blessed with friends and opportunities that have opened my world in both viniculture and viticulture, though my journey is still continuing.

In 2009 I planted 25 vines in my garden in Chitose, Hokkaido.  My hope was to confirm that vitis vinifera can withstand the cold winters, and learn the basics of growing grapevines.  From 2010, and officially in 2014 and 2015, I trained at Takizawa Winery in Mikasa, Hokkaido.  This experience, along with a lot of self-studying, planning, negotiating permission to use agricultural land, and working with the Chitose Agriculture Committee, allowed me to become a certified farmer.

In 2016 I passed the Silver Class examination by the Japan Sommelier Association.  I also attended the Hokkaido Wine Academy from 2019-2020.

My goal is to make wine that authentically represents the terrior, and who I am as a caretaker of the vines and craftsman of the wine.  That concept has resulted in wines that are exciting and natural, but I am still looking for ways and constantly trying new things for improvement.  La Concha will continue to evolve and become more exciting.