Here is must-see event information for gourmet wine enthusiasts!
During the September consecutive holidays when the bounties of autumn become abundant, "Shinshu Ueda Matsutake & Wine Festival 2023" will reportedly be held in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, allowing visitors to fully enjoy wine alongside local foods such as freshly harvested Shinshu matsutake mushrooms!
Let's take a look at what this event has to offer.
One of Japan's Largest Matsutake-Producing Regions!! Ueda City, Filled with Rich Nature and Sengoku Era Romance
In fact, it is one of the largest matsutake-producing regions in Japan! Furthermore, the "Chikuma River Wine Valley" is one of Japan's leading wine-producing regions, an area drawing great attention where new wineries are opening one after another.
In a place where you can experience the beautiful nature and culture of Shinshu Ueda, discover matsutake dishes that pair with wine and wines that complement matsutake cuisine. Together with everyone, the organizers wish to create a new Japanese food culture celebrating seasonal ingredients, culinary arts, and wine crafted through the harmony of nature and people, and share an unprecedented, fresh sense of surprise and joy! It was from this passion that this event was born.
Although Shinshu Ueda is one of the nation's largest matsutake-producing regions, harvests have fallen drastically due to the deterioration of satoyama woodlands, damage from pine wilt disease, and a shortage of successors. Domestic matsutake harvest volumes have dropped to around 0.3% of pre-war levels, leading to its designation as an "endangered species" in a critical situation. In order to preserve richly aromatic and flavorful domestic matsutake for the next generation, this festival and gastronomy tours will give thanks to the blessings born of the marriage between nature and humanity, while advancing initiatives to revitalize the satoyama woodlands.
The venue is the Lawn Square of Ueda Castle Ruins Park, where the history of the Sanada clan still breathes today, offering outstanding access from Ueda Station and located about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Many popular Shinshu food producers and gourmet establishments will set up booths, presenting original dishes using exceptionally fresh matsutake mushrooms that can only be tasted at this event!
In addition, you can enjoy pairings with premium wines from the Chikuma River Wine Valley, which have been attracting attention for their high quality♪
Please look forward to these two days packed with the charms of Shinshu food and wine!
Event Overview
Dates & Times
Saturday (National Holiday), September 23, 2023: 10:30–18:00
Sunday, September 24: 10:00–17:00
* Rain or shine; cancelled in case of stormy weather
Venue Ueda Castle Ruins Park Lawn Square (Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture)
Admission
Free
* For food and beverages, please purchase a food and beverage ticket booklet for 3,000 yen including tax (a booklet of ten 300-yen tickets) at the venue reception to use at each tent or food truck.
* Wine glasses can be purchased at the venue reception as a set for 1,000 yen, which includes an unbreakable wine glass, an original neck strap wine holder, and a 300-yen food and beverage ticket. You may also bring your own wine glass.
* Chairs are limited, but the lawn is available for use. Bringing a picnic mat or similar sheet is recommended.
Vendors
Approximately 25 vendors (planned)
* Matsutake mushrooms, matsutake-related products, dishes using matsutake (pizza, pasta, paella, etc.), food items (cheese, prosciutto, Basque cheesecake, etc.), Chikuma River Wine Valley wines, craft beer, and more
Organizer Shinshu Ueda Matsutake & Wine Festival 2023 Executive Committee
Get Tickets Here!
https://matsutake-wine-fes.peatix.com
Just as the first signs of autumn begin to arrive.
Why not get an early taste of autumn's delicacies while feeling the local breeze, savoring culinary delights unique to a matsutake-producing region alongside local wine and craft beer?
Right now, 10% early bird tickets appear to be available!
If you are interested, please hurry.