A Tremendous Success! Kusunoki Winery Tasting Event Report

Kusunoki Winery is located in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture.

A solo "Kusunoki Wine Free Tasting Event" by Kusunoki Winery was held at Hotel Metropolitan Edmont in Iidabashi, Tokyo.
Lined up for tasting were incredibly almost all varieties from Kusunoki Winery! It was a truly luxurious gathering.
Perhaps partly because of this, the venue was a huge success, with participants reportedly reaching around 150 people.
Many active figures in the wine industry were also enjoying the tasting.

Enjoy Diverse Flavors! The Varied World of Kusunoki Wine

Kusunoki Winery produces wines across various price ranges and styles from diverse grape varieties, and almost all of them were available for tasting.
There were 32 varieties listed on the wine list, and including the "extra" wines, even more varieties were actually presented.
Across sparkling, white, red, and rosé, from approachable bottles in the 1,000 yen range to special wines you would want to drink on celebratory days,
a wide selection was gathered, including competition award-winning wines, back vintages, and special cuvées!

By generously tasting such a diverse lineup of wines, participants surely came away with various ideas for enjoying Kusunoki Wine across all kinds of occasions.

Here are the two wines that particularly caught the author's attention.

Hitakihara 2021
(Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc)
A white wine with outstanding compatibility with seafood, such as sashimi and sushi, as well as Japanese cuisine in general.
While possessing solid aromas and flavors, it naturally integrates into dishes.
It is also a signature white wine of Kusunoki Winery. (Winery comment)

A white wine with a well-balanced, refreshing bitterness and umami, along with a long finish.
While light on its feet, its flavor is solidly perceived.

Pinot Noir 2019
A style similar to the 2017 vintage.
Although it has a lighter color and a somewhat lighter style, it is rich in spices and umami, and bottle aging makes the aroma and flavor even more complex. (Winery comment)

The 2017 vintage was wonderful, but this one is also superb.
Despite its pale appearance, gorgeous aromas of dried flowers softly tickle the nose, making this a wine that brings a sense of elegance.

Dinner with Kusunoki Wine

After the tasting event, it was on to the dinner event. It was a grand banquet gathering nearly 70 guests.

A pairing dinner featuring Kusunoki Wine and Chef Iwasaki, the inaugural executive chef of JR's luxury train "TRAIN SUITE SHIKI-SHIMA."

The dishes formed a wonderful lineup, just as you can see.

Surrounded by wonderful guests, Mr. Kusunoki was full of smiles as he went around the tables.

It became an enjoyable networking dinner for Kusunoki Winery lovers, enlivened by delicious wine and fantastic food.

"I'd like to continue hosting events like this in the future," said Mr. Kusunoki.
We are looking forward to the next plan as well!

Click here for information on Kusunoki Winery!