At "KAI Matsumoto," a hot spring ryokan located in Asama Onsen, the inner parlor of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, the "Harvest and Tasting Experience to Discover the Winemaker's Worldview at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard" is currently underway until October 10.
This event offers an irresistible itinerary for Japanese wine fans, featuring a vineyard tour and tasting at Goichi Wine Hayashi Farm.
Let's take a closer look at the details.
About "Harvest and Tasting Experience to Discover the Winemaker's Worldview at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard"
The "Harvest and Tasting Experience to Discover the Winemaker's Worldview at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard" is part of "Moments of Craftsmanship," a local cultural experience program held across all KAI properties since 2021 in collaboration with artisans and producers.
"Moments of Craftsmanship" is a local cultural experience where guests meet artisans, craftspeople, and producers who pass down regional culture, allowing participants to witness their rare techniques up close and learn about what goes on behind the scenes.
At KAI Matsumoto, this experience centers around Goichi Wine Hayashi Farm, a long-established winery in Kikyo-ga-hara, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture.
Let's explore what kind of program is in store.
About "Moments of Craftsmanship" at Goichi Wine Hayashi Farm
The main highlights of the "Harvest and Tasting Experience to Discover the Winemaker's Worldview at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard" are summarized below.
- Tour of old-vine Merlot and grape harvesting experience
- Wine tasting and pairing guided by the winemaker
- Crafting your own custom blended wine
- Winery tour
Participants in this event will tour the vineyard at Goichi Wine Hayashi Farm before taking part in grape harvesting.
After that, they will taste multiple carefully crafted wines produced by the winemaker and try pairings with food matched to each wine's flavor profile.
Furthermore, experiences designed to deepen one's appreciation of wine are prepared, such as blending wines to create a bottle to one's own taste.
The winery tour offers an opportunity to experience the true essence of craftsmanship rather than just a superficial look, including learning about the remuage (riddling) process used to remove sediment.
Enjoy Wine at KAI Matsumoto as Well!
After the event, upon arriving at KAI Matsumoto, guests can participate in programs such as the "NAGANO WINE Journey" to further experience the appeal of Shinshu wine.
Why not spend a luxurious time at KAI Matsumoto fully savoring Nagano wine?
Reference
Overview of "Harvest and Tasting Experience to Discover the Winemaker's Worldview at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard"
■ Period: September 1 – October 10, 2022 (Closed on Wednesdays)
■ Time: 13:00–15:00 on the first day of stay
■ Location: Goichi Wine Hayashi Farm (meet and disband on-site)
■ Price: 10,000 yen per person (tax included, accommodation fee separate; includes 1 bottle of souvenir wine made during the blending experience,
NAGANO WINE Journey, self-pairing, dessert wine, wine label album)
■ Capacity: 1 to 5 people per day
■ Registration: Reservation required at least 3 days in advance *Prior accommodation reservation required.
■ Reservation: Reservation required on the official website at least 7 days in advance
■ Note: Program content is subject to change in case of rain.
Sample Schedule
＜Day 1＞
13:00 Meet at Goichi Wine, old-vine tour
Tasting, pairing experience, and blended wine making
15:00 Winery tour
17:00 Arrive at KAI Matsumoto, check-in, hot spring bath
18:00 Participate in NAGANO WINE Journey
19:30 Savor a pairing course paired with kaiseki cuisine
21:15 Enjoy dessert wine along with a lobby concert performance
＜Day 2＞
8:00 Breakfast
12:00 Check-out
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