Karuizawa Marriott Hotel (Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture) is launching "NAGANO WINE Discovery 2026 Summer" at its restaurant, Grill & Dining G, beginning June 1, 2026. The series highlights wines from Nagano Prefecture, with each seasonal lineup curated by the hotel's Sommelier Excellence to reflect the region's terroir, climate, and the scenery of the moment.
For the second installment of the 2026 series, the theme is "refreshing coolness." Two sparkling wines from Karuizawa An Winery — the only winery in Karuizawa — have been selected for their ability to evoke the lush highland breezes, clear blue skies, and crisp morning and evening air of Shinshu. Grown in high-altitude vineyards in Komoro City, these wines are celebrated for their clean acidity and fine, delicate bubbles.
Headlining the selection is "An no Awa Blanc de Noirs 2023," a dry sparkling wine with a beautiful pale salmon-pink hue. The wine earned the Diamond Trophy at the 13th Sakura Award 2026 — an international wine competition judged by female wine experts in Japan, founded in 2014 and now considered one of Asia's most prestigious. The award marked the winery's first recognition on its debut release, the first Diamond Trophy for any Nagano Prefecture wine, and the first for a domestic sparkling wine in the competition.
NAGANO WINE Discovery 2026 Summer
The summer edition of NAGANO WINE Discovery 2026 centers on sparkling wines that convey a sense of cool refreshment — evoking the lush highland breezes, clear blue skies, and chilly morning air characteristic of Shinshu. The two wines selected from Karuizawa An Winery share a clean acidity, fine bubbles from bottle secondary fermentation, and an elegant finish reminiscent of highland morning mist and dappled sunlight.
An no Awa Blanc de Noirs 2023
Made from estate-grown Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier using the Champagne method, this dry sparkling wine presents a beautiful pale salmon-pink color. Rich aromas of ripe apple, fig, and raspberry blend with subtle yeast-derived nuances to create a layered bouquet. Fine, persistent bubbles spread softly on the palate, balancing the fruit's gentle sweetness with delicate acidity. Winner of the Diamond Trophy at the 13th Sakura Award 2026.
An no Awa Blanc de Blancs
Crafted from estate-grown Chardonnay, this dry sparkling wine delivers vibrant aromas of citrus, green apple, white flowers, and floral honey. Pure, juicy fruit character and refreshing acidity create a light, crisp finish, with subtle yeast notes, minerality, and a pleasant lingering bitterness. Fine bubbles add a cool, graceful quality that calls to mind clear highland skies and mountain breezes.
Event Details
Period: June 1 (Mon) to August 31 (Mon), 2026
Contents: One glass each of the following wines:
- An no Awa Blanc de Noirs 2023
- An no Awa Blanc de Blancs
Price: 3,900 yen per person (service charge and consumption tax included)
About NAGANO WINE Discovery
NAGANO WINE Discovery is a seasonal tasting set that spotlights wines from Nagano Prefecture, curated by the hotel's Sommelier Excellence. The 2026 series runs under the theme of "Expressing the Four Seasons of Shinshu Through NAGANO WINE," with each edition presenting wines whose aromas and flavors reflect the region's terroir, climate, and seasonal scenery. Wines can be enjoyed on their own or paired with food.
About Karuizawa An Winery
Karuizawa An Winery is the only winery in Karuizawa town, producing wine from estate-grown grapes in the area's cool, high-altitude climate. Its flagship product, "An no Awa Blanc de Noirs 2023," is made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sourced from Komoro City and produced at the winery's facility in Karuizawa's Ōhinata district. Founded in October 2023, the winery received the Diamond Trophy at the 13th Sakura Award 2026 on its very first release — a first for any winery in Nagano Prefecture and a first for a domestic sparkling wine in the history of the competition.
