Nagano Private Winery Tour and Restaurant Experience
- 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Private tour
Highlights
Indulge in a personalized, Nagano wine journey from Karuizawa with complimentary private transport. With a dedicated driver, all guests can fully enjoy wine tastings without driving worries. Your personal host, Eriko—a former 16-year international Flight Attendant, certified Sommelier, Nagano Terroir Guide, and Tōmi Wine Ambassador—brings world-class hospitality, having guided for the prestigious Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Tastevin Wine Brotherhood). Explore Unno-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town, and learn about the Chikuma River Wine Valley at the local Wine & Beer Museum. Then, visit Villa d’Est Garden Farm & Winery, a pioneer of Japanese fine wine, to discover its gardens and boutique winemaking philosophy. Savor an exquisite seasonal farm-to-table lunch paired with estate wines (or craft non-alcoholic pairing) amidst panoramic vineyard views. Experience Nagano’s rich terroir and wine gastronomy completely at your own pace.
Inclusions
What's included
- Two wine tastings or one non‑alcoholic drink included. Extra drinks can be ordered on-site.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tour Guide
- Villa d’Est’s recommended lunch course with fresh local vegetables, garden herbs, and local meat or fish. Children’s meals not included; upgrades or extras can be ordered on-site.
What's not
- Children’s meals are not included; please order and pay on-site.
Itinerary
Step back in time at Unno-juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town on the historic Hokkoku Kaido highway, renowned for its traditional architecture and rich silk-farming heritage. ・Historic Post Town: Stroll along peaceful streets lined with authentic udatsu merchant houses and historic silk-farming architecture. ・Silk to Wine Connection: Discover how Nagano’s unique terroir—low rainfall and abundant sunlight that once built a thriving silk industry—now drives world-class viticulture in the Chikuma River Wine Valley. ・Cultural Context: Gain a deeper understanding of how the region's climate and geography connect its prosperous past to its dynamic present. An essential cultural stop that weaves together Japanese heritage, unique geography, and modern wine culture.
Located in Tomi City, the Wine & Beer Museum serves as the official visitor center and information hub for the Chikuma River Wine Valley. ・Comprehensive Exhibits: Learn about the region’s unique terroir, the history of local viticulture, and the detailed profiles of independent winemakers. ・Tasting Dispensers: Sample a rotating selection of local wines and craft beers on-site to discover your personal favorites before visiting the actual vineyards. ・Gateway to Winery Tours: Gather expert recommendations and winery information based on your tasting preferences. By exploring the museum first, you gain valuable context about the craft and passion behind the bottles. It serves as the perfect cultural warmup, deepening your understanding and enriching your overall winery tour experience.
Nestled on the scenic hillsides of Tomi City, Nagano, Villa d'Est Winery is a pioneer of modern Japanese wine culture, founded by renowned essayist and painter Toyoo Tamamura. ・Signature Lunch Course: Savor a specially curated lunch featuring farm-fresh local vegetables, aromatic herbs from the winery’s own garden, and premium regional meats and seafood. ・Picturesque Vineyard Views: Dine surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards right from your table. ・Perfect Wine Pairing: Elevate your seasonal meal with handcrafted Villa d'Est wines, perfectly paired to highlight the flavors of Nagano. An unforgettable culinary and wine experience for travelers exploring the Chikuma River Wine Valley.
※This shopping visit can be added to your itinerary upon request. Just let your guide know. Experience authentic local culture at Raiden Kurumi no Sato, a vibrant Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) loved by both international travelers and neighborhood locals alike. ・Farm-Fresh Regional Produce: Browse a bustling farmers' market stocked with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables directly from surrounding farms. ・Walnut Specialties & Souvenirs: Discover unique regional food products, including artisan snacks made with Tomi City's famous walnuts (kurumi), local wines, and crafted souvenirs. ・Authentic Local Vibe: Enjoy a casual stop where you can taste everyday local flavors and experience the warm hospitality of the community. The perfect pit stop to shop, snack, and taste the true flavors of Nagano’s countryside.
※This shopping visit can be added to your itinerary upon request. Just let your guide know. Tsuruya is Nagano’s premier local supermarket chain, highly acclaimed by travelers for its exceptional quality, local produce, and exclusive food items. The Kano branch in Tomi City is an ideal stop for authentic edible souvenirs and fresh regional flavors. ・Exclusive Original Products: Discover Tsuruya's famous private-label items, including their signature Apple Butter spread, dried local fruits, custom-roasted Maruyama Coffee filter bags, and regional dressings. ・Fresh Regional Fruits: Pick up top-tier seasonal fruits directly from Nagano farms, such as premium Shine Muscat grapes, Nagano Purple grapes, and crisp local apples at everyday grocery prices. ・Local Wine Selection: Browse an impressive collection of wines produced right in the surrounding Chikuma River Wine Valley.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Japan Go Round
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Karuizawa
- Its from-price is 181% above the median of the 23 experiences we list in Karuizawa.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a cool highland resort in Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of the volcano Mount Asama, with pine woods, old villas and tree-lined lanes.
Karuizawa began as a mountain retreat for foreign missionaries and diplomats in the late nineteenth century, escaping the heat of Tokyo, and kept its European air. Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza, the old main street, has timber shopfronts, bakeries and jam shops, and a stone church in the woods is popular for weddings. The town lies at about 1,000 metres, with Mount Asama, a volcano of 2,568 metres, rising to the north.
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