Iwatake Resort Co., part of the Nippon Ski Resort Development Group, will hold a “Wine Tasting Gondola” on Sunday, March 30.
It is a rare one-day-only event.
Here are the details.
About the “Wine Tasting Gondola”
The event reserves a gondola cabin for each group and lets guests taste two selected wines during the roughly seven-minute ride from the base station to the summit station.
A sommelier remains in the cabin to explain the wines, while passengers enjoy a 360-degree view that includes the snow-covered Northern Alps.
The tasted wines can also be purchased at the shop inside the base-center building.
About the Tasting Wines
The event features natural wines made by producers who respect the land and nature where the grapes are grown, establish cultivation methods that draw out the grapes' own strength, and use winemaking designed to express their full potential.
・Les Vins Vivants, Nagano — Bailey A Hakkotai
Made at a small winery founded in 2019 in Tomi, Nagano Prefecture.
Its defining feature is grape growing without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, designed to bring out the grapes' natural strength.
Wild yeast is used to reveal the grapes' potential without masking it, creating natural wine that is pleasant and seems to soak into the body.
・Nagomi Vineyards, Nagano — GRASSHOPPER 2023
A wine based primarily on Sauvignon Blanc grown in Tomi, Nagano Prefecture.
After a period of skin maceration, it is fermented, matured in stainless-steel tank and bottled.
It features refreshing citrus aromas, herbal notes derived from the skins, and a satisfying palate.
The experience makes use of the size and spaciousness of the new 10-person gondola and is unusual even within Japan.
Why not take part?
Reference
“Wine Tasting Gondola” Overview
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 10:00–15:00, reception from 9:30
Capacity: Up to 4 people per session
Eligibility: Age 20 and over
Fee: Free *A separate ski-lift ticket or sightseeing resort admission ticket allowing gondola use is required.
Includes: Wine tasting and explanation by a sommelier
Reservations: Advance reservations available for limited slots
Advance reservation period/method: Monday, March 24, 2025 at 9:00 to Thursday, March 27 at 17:00
*Limited slots, first-come first-served; closes when full.
After the period above, email iwatake-i＠nsd-hakuba.jp with your name, number of participants and contact information using the subject below. A reply will be sent later regarding availability. Your experience time will be provided at reception on the day.
Subject: Wine Tasting Gondola Reservation Request
Same-day reception: Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 9:30
*First-come first-served; closes when full.
Reception is beside the gondola base station. Your experience time will be provided at check-in.