Starting March 1, 2026, Karuizawa Marriott Hotel in Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture will launch "NAGANO WINE Discovery 2026," a seasonal wine tasting series at their restaurant "Grill & Dining G." The program features carefully selected wines from Nagano Prefecture that express the region's four seasons and terroir through their aroma and taste.
About the Wine Series
"NAGANO WINE Discovery" is a tasting set concept where the hotel's sommelier excellence, Takashi Matoba, curates three wines each season that capture the essence of Nagano's natural landscape and seasonal transitions. The 2026 series theme is "Expressing Shinshu's Four Seasons through NAGANO WINE," aiming to convey the region's climate, scenery, and seasonal changes through the visual, aromatic, and taste characteristics of each wine.
The program has been well-received by guests for offering an accessible way to experience locally-produced wines with distinct characteristics that reflect each vintage and location, presented in the comfortable setting of a hotel restaurant.
Spring 2026 Edition Details
The inaugural "NAGANO WINE Discovery 2026 Spring" features three wines from Kusunoki Winery, located in Suzaka City within the Chikuma River Wine Valley North District. The selection evokes spring in Shinshu as snowmelt gives way to new life emerging in mountain villages, expressed through pale, transparent colors and fresh, light-bodied flavors.
The wines showcase floral aromas reminiscent of young leaves, mountain cherry blossoms, strawberries, and raspberries, layered with fresh grape characteristics that create anticipation for the coming season.
Featured Wines
Kusunoki Winery "YUKI KURENAI Sparkling"
A crimson-colored sparkling wine that heralds the beginning of spring. Berry and wild raspberry aromas harmonize with refreshing acidity in this slightly sweet, fruity, and approachable wine. The fine bubbles evoke the melting of long winter snow and the arrival of blooming spring in Shinshu.
Kusunoki Winery "Black Label Rosé"
This rosé features a transparent cherry blossom color. Delicate aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and violet flowers lead to a pleasantly sweet-tart berry flavor with a refreshing finish. The slightly dry, well-balanced wine pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like smoked salmon and chicken ham, evoking images of young leaves budding in Shinshu's fresh greenery and mountain cherry blossoms along streams fed by snowmelt.
Kusunoki Winery "Pinot Noir 2021"
Berry and plum fruit aromas combine with delicate floral nuances in this Pinot Noir. The bright ruby color is striking, with pleasant acidity forming the backbone, while herb, spice, and subtle earth notes add depth. Despite its lightness, umami flavors emerge, making it an excellent pairing with young bamboo, young chicken dishes, and herb-enhanced plates for a quintessential spring dining experience.
Program Information
Period: March 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
Contents: One glass each of the following wines:
- Kusunoki Winery "YUKI KURENAI Sparkling"
- Kusunoki Winery "Black Label Rosé"
- Kusunoki Winery "Pinot Noir 2021"
*Wine vintages may vary.
Price: ¥4,300 per person (including service charge and tax)
Venue: Grill & Dining G, Karuizawa Marriott Hotel
About the Sommelier
Takashi Matoba is a J.S.A. Certified Sommelier (2005) and Sommelier Excellence (2017). After studying wine in renowned wine regions worldwide, he has resided in Nagano Prefecture for over 20 years. His mission as a hotel sommelier is to share the potential, appeal, and terroir of NAGANO WINE, along with the passion of its producers. He aims to contribute to the prefecture's wine tourism and regional industry development through his sommelier expertise.
The tasting sets can be ordered individually or paired with restaurant dishes, offering various ways to discover and appreciate Shinshu's increasingly popular wines. Future seasonal editions will continue throughout the year, with spring representing budding life, summer bringing cool breezes, autumn displaying vivid colors, and winter offering crisp stillness—all expressed through carefully selected NAGANO WINE.
Reservations and Inquiries:
Karuizawa Marriott Hotel
TEL: 0267-46-6611
URL: https://www.karuizawa-marriott.com
