TOKYO — Yoichi, a small town on Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido, has agreed to forge a partnership with the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin in France to facilitate exchange between wineries and tap the French village’s brand to increase sales channels.

This is the first time the Burgundy village, which is known for its pinot noir red wines, has signed such an agreement with a Japanese partner, according to Yoichi.