On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the "Star Wine List of the Year Awards of Japan 2025," a global wine award, was held in Japan for the first time.
At this award ceremony, "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO," the restaurant attached to the alpine resort hotel "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba by Onko Chishin (*hereinafter, Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba)," won the Gold Award in the Best Newcomer List category, as well as Silver Awards in both the Best Japanese Wine List category and the Short List category.
"Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba" and "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO" are places that every Japanese wine fan should know.
This time, we spoke with the hotel's General Manager, Kiyoshi Shimizu, and Wine Concierge, Hiroyuki Yoshida, about the hotel and their dedication to the wine list.
Sensing Great Potential
"Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba" is a hotel condominium with 38 rooms in total, located in Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
Developed by Onko Chishin Inc., all 38 rooms are corner rooms boasting mountain views.
"At Onko Chishin, our spirit is to be a 'light of the local community.' 'Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba' is also operated with the desire to let guests discover and experience the charm of Hakuba."
So says Kiyoshi Shimizu, General Manager of the hotel.
Onko Chishin is a company that produces destination accommodations and facilities all across the country, but why did they begin operating a hotel in Hakuba?
While "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba" opened in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture on December 19, 2024, they were approached about 1 year before that with a request to operate a hotel in Hakuba that showcased Onko Chishin's distinct identity.
"Our company's CEO, Matsuyama, had been visiting Hakuba for many years and had his eye on its high potential. Having been born in Nagano Prefecture myself, I originally felt that Hakuba was a place of high potential, including the beauty of its four seasons. 'In this location, we can run a wonderful hotel.' It was from such aspirations that we brought 'Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba' to life in Hakuba."
While Hakuba has a strong image as a snow resort, it was this immense potential that allows one to feel its allure across all four seasons—the fresh greenery of the trees, the vitality of summer, and the beauty of autumn foliage—that became the deciding factor in opening "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba."
A Hotel Name Meaning "Grapevine"
The name of "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba," "la vigne," means "grapevine" in French.
We asked Mr. Shimizu the reason for this.
"A grapevine is a fruit tree that absorbs the local characteristics—the terroir—to bear fruit. As Onko Chishin, we named it 'LA VIGNE (grapevine)' out of our desire to bear fruit while absorbing the colors and flavors of the region, just like a grapevine. Also, both CEO Matsuyama and I are huge wine lovers."
Prior to the grand opening of the hotel, an opening ceremony was held where, inspired by the hotel's name instead of a traditional tape cutting, a special performance took place in which soil collected from the 5 regions of Shinshu Wine Valley—Nagano Prefecture's quality wine-growing regions—was placed over saplings of Merlot and Chardonnay.
"We were thinking about whether we could do a special ceremony tied to the hotel's name. Because we are a 'hotel in Hakuba dedicated to Japanese wine,' it turned into an opening ceremony that incorporated soil collected from the Shinshu Wine Valley. It is said that it takes 3 years for grapevines to grow. As a hotel, we also had the desire to grow together with the saplings over that period of time."
About "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO"
The restaurant attached to "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba" is "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO."
It is a notable restaurant dedicated to Japanese wine.
We spoke with Hiroyuki Yoshida, Wine Concierge at "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba," about "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO."
"As the name 'Fudo' (climate/terroir) suggests, 'LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO' is a restaurant based on French cuisine that utilizes the natural climate and terroir surrounding Nagano Prefecture. Since it is also equipped with a teppan griddle, French cuisine and teppan cooking form its core."
In April 2025, the restaurant welcomed Chef Imanishi, who had honed his skills at the three-star Michel Bras in Laguiole and prestigious restaurants in France, as its new head chef, presenting French cuisine crafted by him paired with Japanese wine.
"For the cuisine, we prepare plates that incorporate the 'fudo' of Nagano Prefecture, including Hakuba, into each and every dish. For instance, even with a lobster dish, we accompany it with Azumino vegetables, allowing guests to enjoy dishes crafted with thoughtful touches that showcase the terroir of Nagano Prefecture."
Commitment to Japanese Wine
"LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO" boasts a collection of over 1,000 bottles.
Not many restaurants assemble such an extensive selection of Japanese wine.
"Rather than saying 'over 1,000 bottles of Japanese wine,' in fact, we exclusively carry Japanese wine. We do not have a single bottle of imported wine from France, Italy, Spain, or anywhere else. One winter has passed since opening with this concept, and it has been well received by guests; overseas visitors are also able to experience Japanese culture, so we feel a real sense of success."
Mr. Yoshida has spent over 30 years in the French culinary world and has experience entertaining world leaders at the Toyako Summit in Hokkaido.
He has been involved with many wineries since back when Japanese wine did not attract the attention it does today.
"I have handled Japanese wine for more than 30 years. I have long-standing relationships with wineries that are now considered 'doyens,' and true to the name Onko Chishin (discovering the new by studying the old), we feature many wines from wineries that have been crafting wonderful wines for a long time. Of course, we also carry wines from up-and-coming wineries nurtured by and spun off from those estates, and we take great care to harmonize them on our wine list."
According to Mr. Yoshida, the wine list is crafted to delight everyone, from long-time fans who love Japanese wine to those who have newly discovered its appeal.
They are also particular about the producing regions of the wines they assemble.
"While placing a strong emphasis on wines from Nagano Prefecture, we have built a broad lineup from Hokkaido to Kyushu, centering on 4 prefectures with high production volumes: Nagano, Hokkaido, Yamanashi, and Yamagata," says Mr. Yoshida.
The result is a well-balanced wine list where no single region stands out excessively.
About Star Wine List
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, "Star Wine List," a guide often referred to as the Michelin of wine lists, held Japan's first wine awards: the "Star Wine List of the Year Awards of Japan 2025."
At these wine awards, "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO" received the Gold Award in the Best Newcomer List category.
Furthermore, it was awarded Silver Awards in both the Best Japanese Wine List category and the Short List category.
"When we heard that Star Wine List would be held in Japan and saw there was a 'Best Japanese Wine List' category, we applied. Precisely because we only handle Japanese wine, we submitted our list using that as our strength. As a result, we won the Gold Award in the Best Newcomer List category and Silver Awards in both the Best Japanese Wine List and Short List categories."
The judges reportedly praised the wine list as being "like looking at a map of Japan."
"I think part of why it was acclaimed is that, in addition to listing currently prominent wineries, we submitted a broad spectrum of grape varieties, from indigenous Japanese varieties to European varieties and wild grapes (yamabudo)," says Mr. Yoshida.
Moreover, while many restaurants are strong in Yamanashi wine but have little from Hokkaido, or rich in Nagano Prefecture but have virtually nothing from other prefectures, assembling wineries representing each prefecture allows the wine list to respond to guests' desires to try specific wines, which might also have been a point of appreciation.
"Although we only recently received the award, guests from overseas and fellow sommeliers have already spoken to us about it. The certificate is displayed at the restaurant's entrance, so we hope it serves as a conversation starter."
Proposing a "Recommended Stay Plan" to Japanese Wine Fans
We asked Mr. Shimizu and Mr. Yoshida about how Japanese wine fans can best enjoy their stay at "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba."
"While all rooms are recommended, for 4 guests, we recommend the Junior Suite. It offers a great view of the Hakuba mountains, allowing you to spend a luxurious time with the majestic Northern Alps right before your eyes," says Mr. Shimizu.
In addition, because guests can enjoy Japanese wine in their rooms as well, they can relax with a glass of Japanese wine in hand while admiring the Northern Alps scenery from the window.
"Along with Japanese wine, all cheeses at 'Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba' are sourced domestically within Japan. We gather cheeses made by dairy farmers, and we hope guests enjoy the Hakuba scenery while savoring these Japanese cheeses, homemade breads, and Japanese wine."
Mr. Yoshida also shared plans they are working on for the future.
"In addition to expanding wine pairings, increasing the varieties of wine by the glass, and enlarging the number of items, what we are currently focusing on is an initiative allowing guests to enjoy as much Japanese wine as they desire. Giving them the freedom to enjoy Japanese wine—such as 'I'd like to try a bit more of this wine' or 'I'd like to try a different wine with the dish I just had'—while enjoying conversations with the sommelier and staff. By creating a space reminiscent of a 'small wine gathering,' we hope to foster an atmosphere where delightful conversations with guests naturally blossom."
Summary
Hakuba is one of Japan's premier resort destinations, with the Northern Alps to the north, rivers, lakes, and access to the sea in just 1 hour.
"Many guests head out to the sea in the morning to enjoy seafood, and then come to Hakuba in the afternoon for forest bathing, trekking, or admiring the mountains. Hakuba is a place you can enjoy regardless of the season," says Mr. Yoshida.
"LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO" is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese wine, highly acclaimed by "Star Wine List."
Why not visit "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba" to savor French cuisine and Japanese wine that reflect the seasonal scenery of Hakuba and the terroir of Nagano Prefecture?
Reference
■ Profiles
★ General Manager Kiyoshi Shimizu
Born in Nagano Prefecture. Joined Onko Chishin Inc. in 2019 and served as manager at multiple facilities, including Hakone. Afterwards, served as Assistant General Manager at "KEIRIN HOTEL 10" in Okayama Prefecture, and currently serves as General Manager of "Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba," which opened in December 2024.
★ Wine Concierge Hiroyuki Yoshida
Born in Yamagata Prefecture. After training in wine and hospitality services at a hotel in Tateshina Highlands, worked as restaurant manager for about 30 years at "Hakuba Resort Hotel La Neige Higashikan" in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.
Recognizing the appeal of pairing French cuisine with Japanese wine, built relationships with wineries across the country. In 2008, took charge of selecting and serving domestic wines at the "34th G8 Summit" held in Toyako, Hokkaido. Currently serves as a member of the sensory evaluation panel assessing the taste of GI Nagano wines.
★ Head Chef Yamato Imanishi
Born in Kochi Prefecture. After graduating at the top of his class from Ecole Tsuji Osaka, moved to France at age 20. Began training at the three-star restaurant "Michel Bras" in Laguiole, and served as section chef at prestigious Parisian establishments such as "Le Chateaubriand." In particular, during his time at "Le Chateaubriand," the restaurant rose to 9th place in "The World's 50 Best Restaurants." After returning to Japan, served as chef at multiple establishments, including in Kobe. Appointed Head Chef of "LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO" in April 2025.
Reference
◆ Hotel LA VIGNE Hakuba by Onko Chishin
・Official Website: https://lavigne.by-onko-chishin.com
・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotel_lavigne_hakuba
◆ LA VIGNE DINING FÛDO
＜Overview＞
・Business Hours: 18:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Dinner Course (2 seatings): 18:00~, 19:30~ (Courses require advance reservation at least 2 days prior)
Dinner A la Carte (2 seatings): 19:00~, 20:00~ (Reservations accepted until 17:00 on the day of dining)
・Private Rooms: 2 rooms (Capacity: 6 persons)
Reservations
https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/la-vigne-dining-fudo/reserve/message