JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo (Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido; General Manager: Takayuki Kato) will launch two high-quality white wines from NIKI Hills Winery (Location: Niki Town, Hokkaido; Operated by: NIKI Hills Village Co., Ltd., President & CEO: Kazunori Ishikawa) as its third private wine collection. The wines will be available at the hotel's restaurants starting April 1, 2026 (Wednesday). One of the wines won a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, the world's largest and most influential wine competition.
Left: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Private Wine 'HATSUYUKI 2024', Right: 'Chardonnay 2023'
Since 2023, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo has been selling private wines with the goal of introducing domestic and international guests to wines that maximize the terroir and grape characteristics nurtured by Hokkaido's cool climate.
For the third collection, the hotel presents white wines from NIKI Hills Winery, located on the hillsides of Niki Town, Hokkaido. The winery was established in 2014 with regional revitalization as one of its objectives, pursuing delicate and high-quality winemaking that leverages Niki Town's rich natural environment. Hotel staff have visited the winery to participate in weeding, grape harvesting, and study sessions, deepening their understanding of wine production through exchanges at the production site.
The two private wines being offered include 'Chardonnay 2023', which became the first Japanese winery to win a gold medal for a Chardonnay still wine at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, and 'HATSUYUKI 2024', the winery's flagship white wine.
At the hotel's restaurants, eight sommeliers will propose dishes that maximize the appeal of these wines infused with the winemaker's and viticulturist's passion, tailored to each guest's preferences.
Prior to the April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) launch at the hotel's four restaurants, the private wines will be unveiled at the hotel event "Northern Fine Sake Evening - An Elegant Night of Wine, Food, and Music - vol.2" on March 10 (Tuesday).
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo will continue to promote initiatives that showcase the appeal of various Hokkaido regions through collaborations with local companies and producers.
Product Details
Chardonnay 2023
This wine won a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, marking the first time a Japanese winery achieved this honor for a Chardonnay still wine. It features delicate acidity and minerality cultivated by a cool climate. The refreshing aromas of citrus and green apple are layered with nuances of vanilla and nuts from barrel aging, offering an elegant taste experience.
- Price: 2,200 yen per glass (including tax and service charge)
HATSUYUKI 2024
This flagship white wine from NIKI Hills Winery won a silver medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2025, which only considers "Japanese wines" made from 100% domestic grapes. Made from the German grape variety Kerner, the wine has adapted beautifully to Hokkaido's climate with rich aromas and soft acidity. Gorgeous fragrances reminiscent of white peach, pear, and lychee spread throughout, with a smooth mouthfeel and lingering subtle sweetness and refreshing aftertaste.
- Price: 1,800 yen per glass (including tax and service charge)
Sales Start Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) *While supplies last (limited to 250 bottles each)
Available Restaurants: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo 35F Restaurant & Bar "SKY J", Sky Restaurant "Tancho", 1F The Lobby Lounge, Sapporo Stellar Place Center 9F French Restaurant "MIKUNI Sapporo" (4 locations total)
Service Hours: During each restaurant's operating hours
Note: Both wines will also be available by the bottle.
Inquiries: TEL 011-251-2222 (Hotel main number)
About NIKI Hills Winery
NIKI Hills Winery
NIKI Hills Winery was established in 2014 in Niki Town with regional revitalization as one of its primary objectives. The winery pursues world-class winemaking that leverages the rich natural environment and terroir.
The approximately 33-hectare site includes vineyards, a winery, restaurants, and accommodation facilities, serving as a winery that promotes regional appeal and revitalization through wine and spaces where visitors can experience nature with all five senses.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo offers exceptional access directly connected to JR Sapporo Station and boasts a location in one of Hokkaido's tallest towers. Guests can enjoy moments of "peace and wonder" embraced by beautiful views. The hotel features 330 guest rooms, 4 dining establishments, a natural hot spring spa, hair salon, aesthetic salon, and 3 banquet rooms.
Address: 5-2, Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
Phone: 011-251-2222 (Hotel main number)
