Occi Gabi — Attraction in Yoichi

A gorgeously situated but utterly soulless estate in Yoichi that offers horrible reds, passable whites and unfriendly service. We (a Japanese family of 7 with two school age children and one foreigner) visited in Aug 22 to be greeted by snotty attitude from staff, who made us wait to be seated some 40 minutes even though only 2 of their many tables were taken. We were told their garden was off limits to children, although it’s open to other guests so we ended up waiting with kids in the parking lot. Unthinkable by any modern standards. The food was edible (although I’d avoid the seafood pasta as it lacks any character) but the wine was an absolute disaster. I had the Pinot Noir and wife tried the Acolon. Both were very sour and absolutely horrendous - not something one should serve to clients, more like an early stage project of an amateur winemaker. We were glad we did not go for the full wine tasting option as this would have been torturous. Family members, who tried the whites and sparkling said they tasted ok. In terms of price, the whole affair was not very expensive by Japanese standards. The estate has ambitions to turn Yoichi into Japan’s new winemaking region but for now they have neither the wine, nor the hospitality to make that dream a reality. Wine should be about enjoying it with family and friends, great food, and welcoming service. Those, like Occi Gabi, who turn it into a pretentious spectacle for aspirational but clueless visitors, completely miss the point - and their chance to make this pretty spot a...

Well here do I start, the food was impeccable I suggest getting the spaghetti with pork and mushrooms and was divine also the selection of wine is so good probably the best wine you can get around here also when you enter the restaurant you are greater by the lovely staff and the is a cute little dog sometimes in the corner but don’t worry because one he is not in the actual restaurant and two he is on a leash so he won’t bother you but he is sooo cute. 10/10 really recommend for everybody to come and support this restaurant and business.

(Blurred face for...

In late May 2025, our family of four stayed at the Niseko Park Hyatt and made a reservation through the hotel concierge to visit Occi Gabi Winery nearby.

Our original itinerary was:

Arrival at 10:00 AM

1.5-hour winery tour

30-minute break

Lunch and wine tasting starting at 12:00 PM

However, upon arrival at 10:00 AM, we were only shown the underground wine cellar for five minutes, and then lunch was served at 10:15 AM — shockingly early and without any proper tour.

It felt like we were completely scammed. When we complained through the hotel, the winery owner gave a dishonest and insincere response, claiming that our tour was cut short because of our “limited English.” This was utterly false — we had just communicated clearly in fluent English during the initial explanation.

This was one of the worst experiences of our lives. We strongly do NOT recommend visiting Occi Gabi Winery. Avoid it at all...