Restaurant mio

A sea within an island chain, the Setouchi region has long been known for its stellar quality produce — and especially its seafood. But there is a burgeoning wine-making scene within this western breadbasket, and Setouchi Jozojo Winery is at the forefront of this fledgling movement. Unbeknownst to many outside Japan, certain regions in Hiroshima Prefecture have actually had a long history of table grape cultivation, with its location near the Chugoku Mountains at odds with the typical coastal image of the Setouchi region. It is here that the wine-producing Setouchi Jozojo Winery holds its operations. Setouchi Jozojo Winery’s restaurant mio brings together the fine wine — characterized by a light and fruity terroir — and the cuisine that the Setouchi region has long come to be known for. Locally caught seafood like sea bream is offered to customers in a variety of styles; the sea bream with cucumber gazpacho and edible flowers is rivaled in popularity only by the same fish prepared as sashimi. Wagyu beef from the prefectures bordering the Seto Inland Sea also pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s selection of reds. But what piques the interest of many guests the most is the local game, particularly the wild boar. Compared to domestic pork, boar meat has a firmer texture and a slightly gamier taste, and is actually sourced from an initiative to keep the local boar population in check. Ever-committed to sustainability — an attitude that has long since characterized Setouchi agriculture and husbandry — mio’s chef enjoys long, close relationships with local suppliers, from fishermen, ranchers, farmers and even hunters, ensuring he has access to the best from each. Located in an abandoned shipyard facing the sea, the winery’s dramatically sloped roof casts a silhouette recognizable even from a distance — one that earned it an iF Design Award. There, Setouchi visitors have the opportunity to sip Setouchi wines at sunset as ships sail lazily past. Not a drinker of wine? Not to worry — Setouchi Jozojo’s various non-alcoholic drinks, like ciders and juices, are just as delicious.