KAI Matsumoto, one of HOSHINO RESORTS' onsen ryokan (hot spring inns), will host "A Moment of Craft: Learn the Winemaker's Vision Through Harvesting and Tasting at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard" from Friday, September 10, 2021, to Sunday, October 10, 2021, as part of its program to experience local culture.

KAI Matsumoto, a modern onsen ryokan nestled in Asama Onsen, Matsumoto's renowned hot spring district. Across its properties nationwide, HOSHINO RESORTS' onsen ryokan brand, KAI, offers "A Moment of Craft," a program designed to connect guests with artisans, craftspeople, and producers who preserve local culture, allowing them to witness their rare skills up close and gain insight into their creative processes. This autumn, KAI Matsumoto presents "A Moment of Craft: Learn the Winemaker's Vision Through Harvesting and Tasting at a Shinshu Wine Pioneer Vineyard."

The venue for this experience is the historic "Goiichi Wine Hayashi Farm" in Kikyogahara, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, which has been producing wine for over 100 years. Participants will visit the farm and experience harvesting "Merlot," a European grape variety that the founder, Goichi Hayashi, began cultivating in 1951 with the aim of creating wine that rivals the best from France.

It is a rare opportunity to learn the secrets of grape cultivation at "Goiichi Wine Hayashi Farm," a winery that typically does not offer harvest experiences. Participants will receive explanations on cultivation processes and the flavor differences between grape varieties, allowing them to feel the passion of the winemakers firsthand. They will also have the chance to see the existing old Merlot vines.

Furthermore, participants can enjoy a wine tasting session, savoring the wines that the winemakers typically taste, with the vineyard spread out before them. While experiencing the terroir and environment where the grapes grow, they can sample wines made from a diverse range of grape varieties, delving into the profound world of wine where multiple layers of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness intertwine.

After appreciating the pure taste of the wines, a "pairing" session with ingredients such as apples, lemons, and salted delicacies will follow. This experience allows guests to understand how flavors change with pairings, offering a chance to discover their own preferred ways of enjoying wine.

After learning how wine flavors evolve, participants can try their hand at blending their own wine to their preference. They will choose between red or white wine, taste three single-varietal wines for each color, and then, based on their understanding of the aromas and flavors, blend their own unique wine.

Upon arrival at KAI Matsumoto, guests can also experience a separate program in their rooms titled "NAGANO WINE Journey." This program involves tasting three recommended wines from KAI Matsumoto's staff while watching a video on their smartphones that introduces the respective wineries. While driving to various wineries often prevents the designated driver from tasting, this in-room experience allows guests to enjoy tastings and the ambiance of multiple wineries from the comfort of their room.

Additionally, dinner features a pairing course designed to complement kaiseki cuisine. Four types of wine are served with the meal, offering another opportunity to appreciate the depth and charm of Shinshu wines.