Savor Wine and Summer by the Sea: July 21 at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine — a wine event to enjoy the pairing of Hokkaido wine and local ingredients together with winemakers
Hokkaido is quickly making a name for itself as one of Japan’s most exciting wine regions—and we’re here for it! At UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, we’ve been celebrating this local wine scene since 2021 with our ongoing event series, Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine. Each event brings in real winemakers from areas like Otaru, Yoichi, and Niki to share their stories, pour their wines, and connect with guests in a relaxed, approachable way.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious to learn more, this event has something for everyone. Locals, travelers, foodies, and even wine newbies have all raved about the friendly vibe and memorable pairings.
This summer, we’re excited to welcome back OSA WINERY, a beloved urban winery right here in Otaru, for our fourth collaboration. And to make it even more special, we’re taking things outside! Join us for UNWIND SEASIDE WINE TERRACE, a one-night-only summer edition held on our terrace—perfect for sipping wine in the ocean breeze.
Reservations are open now, so save your spot and get ready for a delicious summer evening!
Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine Summer Edition “UNWIND SEASIDE WINE TERRACE”
Meet OSA WINERY — the only winery in Otaru with its own vineyard and a mission to craft “Happy Wine.” From grape-growing and winemaking to label design and sales, everything is done in-house. Their specialty? Elegant white wines that pair beautifully with food, along with refreshing rosé and sparkling options perfect for summer sipping.
At this event, you’ll get to enjoy three standout wines from OSA WINERY: two crisp whites and one bright, bubbly sparkling wine—each carefully chosen to complement the season.
To match the wines, our in-house restaurant The Ball Otaru has created a special nine-compartment creative cuisine box, filled with local ingredients and flavors that highlight the best of Otaru’s culinary scene. It’s a delicious celebration of wine and food in perfect harmony.
Normally held inside our atmospheric restaurant (a beautifully renovated historic building), this special summer edition of Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine will take place up on the UNWIND TERRACE—our exclusive rooftop space open only to hotel guests.
Take in the ocean breeze, soak up the view of the charming port town, and sip your wine as you listen to live music and chat with the winemakers themselves, Mr. and Mrs. Osa. With great stories, stunning wines, and the relaxed vibes of a Hokkaido summer evening, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, July 21, 2025 (Public Holiday)
- Venue: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, 4th Floor UNWIND TERRACE
- Opening Time: Doors open 15:30, Start 16:00 (Ends at 18:00)
- Capacity: 23 guests (Reservation required)
- Price: ¥7,700 (tax included)
- Includes: 3 glasses of OSA WINERY wine & creative cuisine box
- Reservations here
UNWIND SEASIDE WINE TERRACE Wine List
OSA WINERY, an urban winery based in Otaru, produces white, rosé, and sparkling wines designed to pair beautifully with food. For this special event, we’ve selected three refreshing wines that capture the essence of an Otaru summer.
Wine List
- Ocean – Sparkling Wine
- Tabi – White Wine
- Otaru Valley “Otaru Haru” – White Wine
UNWIND SEASIDE WINE TERRACE Food Menu
The Ball Otaru, the in-house restaurant at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, has crafted an exclusive menu just for this event. Designed to complement the wines of OSA WINERY, the nine-compartment creative cuisine box showcases local ingredients from the Otaru area, prepared in a variety of styles.
From fresh seafood sourced from nearby waters to rare Ezo venison from Yoichi and seasonal vegetables grown in Hokkaido, each bite is thoughtfully paired to highlight the best in both wine and dish.
Our hotel chefs and wine advisors have carefully curated these pairings through hands-on tastings. Follow their expert suggestions—or explore your own pairings to find your personal favorite combinations.
Nine-Compartment Creative Cuisine Box Menu
- Grilled Atka mackerel with miso
- Scallop & chrysanthemum sushi and summer vegetable roll
- Braised greenling fish
- Yoichi Ezo venison terrine with local cheese
- Homemade smoked freshwater salmon
- Marinated herring and octopus with genovese
- Steamed chicken with aromatic sauce
- Green shrimp dumpling with mantis shrimp from Otaru
- Hokkaido Wine Pork Cantonese-style BBQ
Accommodation Plan to Savor the Afterglow
To make your evening even more special, we’ve created an exclusive overnight stay plan for event guests. Relax in a stylish room that beautifully blends historical charm with modern comfort, all inside our thoughtfully renovated heritage building.
The next morning, treat yourself to a high-tea-style breakfast at The Ball Otaru.
Whether you’re planning to unwind with more wine at the hotel bar after the event, or simply want to share a memorable evening with someone special, this stay plan offers the perfect way to elevate your experience.
Accommodation Plan Details
- Date: July 21 (Mon) – July 22 (Tue), 2025
- Plan Name: [Official Website Exclusive] “UNWIND SEASIDE WINE TERRACE” with OSA WINERY – Includes Terrace Wine Event, Creative Cuisine Box & High Tea Breakfast –
Please set your check-in date to July 21, 2025, to view the plan.
About OSA WINERY
After careers in the wine industry and trading firms, the Osas decided at age 35 to follow their dream. They set off on a journey across Japan in search of the perfect place to make wine—and found it in Hokkaido, drawn in by its land and rich food culture. In 2015, they moved to Otaru, a region with a deep-rooted history of grape cultivation, and founded OSA WINERY.
Today, the couple grows nine grape varieties across Otaru and nearby Yoichi, producing around 10,000 bottles annually. True to their philosophy of “Happy Wine,” they handle every step themselves—from grape growing to winemaking and sales. Their focus on white wine reflects their dedication to creating bottles that pair beautifully with Japanese cuisine and the distinct flavors of Hokkaido.
About UNWIND TERRACE
Perched on the 4th floor of UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, the UNWIND TERRACE is a 150㎡ rooftop haven outfitted with chic sofas, tables, and chairs. This versatile open-air space isn’t just for hotel guests—it’s a welcoming spot where anyone can gather, connect, and enjoy unique events. Soak in the fresh summer breeze and take in the charming views of Otaru’s port town as you unwind in style.
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally built in 1931 as Hokkaido’s first hotel for foreign guests, the former Echuya Hotel boasts a storied past. From serving as an officers’ club during WWII to being used by the U.S. military, this historic landmark has long played a role in Otaru’s history. Recognized as a cultural asset by both Otaru City and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the building was closed for years before being reborn as a boutique hotel. Its elegant architecture has been carefully preserved, while bold renovations have infused it with modern style and comfort. Today, it serves as a warm, inspiring space designed to connect travelers with the local community on a deeper, more emotional level.
Facility Details
- Hotel Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
- Access: Approx. 35 minutes by JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. 10-minute walk from Otaru Station.