#Japan #Japanese Wine #Star Wine List #Hakuba #La Vigne Hakuba

La Vigne Dining Fûdo Shines at the Star Wine List Awards

The recent accolades received by La Vigne Dining Fûdo, the restaurant within Hotel La Vigne Hakuba, highlight the dedication and passion towards Japanese wines and sustainable practices. On April 15, 2026, during the prestigious Star Wine List of the Year Japan event, this restaurant triumphed by securing gold awards in both the 'Best Japanese Wine List' and the 'Sustainability Prize' categories. In addition, they achieved a silver award in the 'Best Short List' category.

This recognition comes as a culmination of dedicated efforts from the hotel management, led by General Manager Asahi Hayashi, and their commitment to showcasing the rich flavors of Japanese wines, especially those from Nagano Prefecture. This marks a notable achievement as they successfully defended their title after winning the gold award in the 'Newcomer List' category at the awards last year.

What is the Star Wine List of the Year?

The 'Star Wine List of the Year' is often referred to as the Michelin Guide for wine lists. The second edition of the Japanese awards took place at the ProWine Tokyo 2026 event, held at Tokyo Big Sight, where four globally recognized sommeliers, including the youngest Master Sommelier in Japan, Kou Takamatsu, evaluated the entries. The judging highlighted the quality and selection offered, particularly praising the restaurant for representing the high standards of Japanese wines while maintaining modest pricing.

Awards Overview

Gold Awards:

• - Best Japanese Wine List: This award recognizes the best wine list that focuses on Japanese wines in the country.
• - Sustainability Prize: This prize acknowledges remarkable sustainable practices in wine selection and overall environmental efforts.

Silver Award:

• - Best Short List: This award is given to outstanding wine lists that contain fewer than 200 entries.

Expert Panel Comments

Kou Takamatsu, Master Sommelier, emphasized the diversity and quality of the wine list, stating, "An incredible selection of Japanese wines boasting vintage depth and diversity of style... this list represents the very high quality of Japan’s wines, with modest pricing."

Mikk Parre, a leading sommelier from Europe and Africa, noted, "An establishment where sustainability genuinely shapes the entire experience, from locally focused cuisine to a carefully curated beverage program..."

The Vision Behind La Vigne Dining Fûdo

Iesuk Shimizu, an advisor for Hotel La Vigne Hakuba, expressed pride in the recent accolades. He remarked that since the opening in December 2024, the restaurant has worked tirelessly to promote the attractiveness of Japanese wines, especially those from Nagano. The recognition boosts their commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability practices and to engage more effectively with local producers and customers.

The wine list at La Vigne Dining Fûdo is expansive and diverse, focusing strongly on local wines curated by the dedicated wine concierge, Hiroyuki Yoshida. This selection ranges from rare vintages to the latest releases from up-and-coming producers, offering guests insight into the terroir of Japan.

Accompanying the wine is a menu that proudly utilizes seasonal ingredients from Shinshu, upholding respect for local producers in every dish they serve. The emphasis on pairing food with local wines enriches the dining experience, creating memories that resonate with the stunning natural setting of Hakuba.

Experience the Essence of Japanese Wine in Hakuba

Located in the picturesque Echo Land area of Hakuba, the Hotel La Vigne Hakuba features 38 rooms with breathtaking views of the Northern Alps. Each room is designed for privacy and comfort, offering amenities suited for deep relaxation or longer stays. The supportive infrastructure for guests includes essential kitchen facilities, plus laundry options, ensuring a delightful vacation.

As the Japanese wine culture evolves and gains international accolades, La Vigne Dining Fûdo stands at the forefront, promising an extraordinary experience for all wine lovers.