St. Cousair, based in Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture, is opening its private vineyard for a special autumn harvest event. On October 12, 2026 (Monday, a national holiday), the St. Cousair Winery Main Store in Iizuna is hosting a one-day "Autumn Grape Harvest Experience," giving a small group of guests rare access to the estate's own vineyard along with a guided winery tour, wine tasting, and lunch. The event is limited to 12 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Rare Look at the Vineyard in Full Autumn Color
Normally closed to visitors, St. Cousair's private vineyard, 大入ぶどう園, is opened especially for this event. Guests pick ripe grape clusters by hand alongside the estate's winemakers and sommelier, who share insights from a full year of vineyard work as the vines turn to autumn color.
The harvest time, location, and content of the experience may change depending on the condition of the grapes.
Winery Tour and Tasting with the Winemaking Team
The day also includes a tour of the aging cellar, where St. Cousair's wines mature in quiet storage, along with a tasting of three recommended wines.
Guests under 20 years old and anyone who will be driving are served a special soft drink in place of wine.
A Garden Lunch with Shinshu Ingredients
Lunch is served in an open-air garden, using ingredients from Nagano Prefecture, with a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after the harvest. Dessert is an apple pie packed with locally grown Iizuna apples, made exclusively at the main store. Guests can browse the shop at St. Cousair Winery Main Store afterward.
Event Overview
| Event name | Grape Harvest Experience – Savoring the Season of Bounty |
| Date and time | October 12, 2026 (Monday, national holiday), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (held in light rain; canceled in severe weather) |
| Price | ¥6,500 (tax included), including a specially prepared lunch and dessert plus tasting of three recommended wines |
| Capacity | 12 guests (first-come, first-served; registration closes once capacity is reached) |
| Eligibility | Participants must be at least 6 years old, since the tour involves travel by car for safety reasons |
| Venue | St. Cousair Winery Main Store (1260 Imogawa, Iizuna, Kamiminochi District, Nagano) / the estate's private vineyard |
| Reservations | Apply through the reservation form; deadline October 7, 2026 (Wednesday), 4:00 PM |
| Access | Free shuttle service (reservation required) is available from Mure Station on the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line; free parking is also available onsite |
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:50 AM | Pickup at Mure Station (for guests requesting shuttle service; advance reservation required) |
| 10:10 AM | Meet and depart from St. Cousair Winery Main Store |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive at the vineyard |
| 10:40 AM | Harvesting begins |
| 11:30 AM | Harvesting ends |
| 11:40 AM | Short break at the vineyard's management building |
| 12:00 PM | Depart the vineyard |
| 12:20 PM | Winery tour and tasting of three wines |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30 PM | Shopping at St. Cousair Winery Main Store; free dismissal |
| 3:00 PM | Departure from St. Cousair Winery Main Store (for guests requesting shuttle service; advance reservation required) |
Notes
- Alcohol cannot be served to guests under 20 years old, or to anyone who will be driving a car, motorcycle, or bicycle; guests may be asked to verify their age.
- The harvest time, location, and content of the experience may change depending on the condition of the grapes.
- Check-in and payment take place at St. Cousair Winery Main Store before departure (cash, credit card, and e-money accepted).
- The decision to cancel for weather is made at 7:00 AM on the day of the event and communicated by phone or email.
- Cancellation fees apply as follows (per person, tax included, paid by bank transfer): 7 to 2 days before the event, ¥3,000; the day before or day of the event, ¥6,500.
St. Cousair Winery Main Store
Address: 1260 Imogawa, Iizuna, Kamiminochi District, Nagano 389-1201
Phone: 026-253-8070 (reception hours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Website: https://www.stcousair.co.jp/valley/main-shop
