#Japan #Shiojiri #Nagano Wine #Furusato Choice

Discovering Shiojiri's Wine Industry

Shiojiri City, located in Nagano Prefecture, is renowned as one of Japan's premier wine-producing areas. On November 17, the city has collaborated with Trust Bank, which operates the largest hometown tax donation site, Furusato Choice, to launch a special feature page dedicated to Shiojiri wine. This initiative aims to promote the local wine industry and enhance community vitality through donations.

Purpose of the Initiative

The partnership between Shiojiri City and Trust Bank aims to support product development utilizing local resources and to highlight the unique charm of Shiojiri’s agricultural products. This collaboration focuses not only on promoting local wines but also on fostering connections between producers, educational institutions, and the community.

The region's wines are celebrated for their quality and diversity, attracting both domestic and international enthusiasts. Each year, the city hosts the Shiojiri Winery Festa, drawing visitors who come to enjoy the local offerings while engaging with regional culture. The city is committed to nurturing future talent in the wine industry by providing opportunities for students to learn viticulture and winemaking techniques.

Special Features on the Page

The newly launched feature page will showcase award-winning local wines, including those honored at the upcoming Japan Wine Competition 2025. Shiojiri's wines have garnered significant attention from enthusiasts, and the page will list limited editions of sought-after wines exclusive to Furusato Choice, which will commence on November 18. This initiative allows donors to experience the unique tastes of Shiojiri while supporting local production.

Among the highlights are wines from newly established wineries, offering a platform for young winemakers to present their creations. By contributing, donors can directly support the next generation of wine producers, helping to sustain and enhance the local wine industry.

A Glimpse at Featured Wines

The special page will host over 50 exclusive products, with participation from more than 30 local wineries and grape producers. A few notable offerings include:

• - Private Reserve Meadows 2023

- Winery: Kido Winery
- Donation Amount: ¥57,000

• - Domaine KOSEI Set (Gold Medal: ICEBERG & FRAMBOISE VANILLE, Bronze Medal: KATAOKA MERLOT FRENCH OAK)

- Winery: Domaine KOSEI
- Donation Amount: ¥63,000

• - Inishie-no-sato Rosé 'Spring' Coral Pom '24

- Winery: Inishie-no-sato Winery
- Donation Amount: ¥12,000

• - Droplets of Ice: Niagara 2024

- Winery: Hayashi Farm (Goichi Wine)
- Donation Amount: ¥11,000

Looking Ahead

Through the Furusato Choice platform, Shiojiri City hopes to widely share its initiatives, creating a connection between donors and the local community. The goal is to cultivate a sustainable economic framework through a cycle of regional production and support, ultimately contributing to the flourishing of the local wine industry.

Shiojiri City is strategically positioned in the southern part of the Matsumoto basin, where various rivers converge, marking an essential transport hub between the Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Shiojiri stands as a historical town with a rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect location to showcase its exceptional wines.

Visit the special feature page at Furusato Choice for more information on Shiojiri's exquisite offerings and become part of this exciting initiative!