[Event]Hokkaido Autumn Wine Dinner: 3 Local Wineries Join UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU on Nov 20
At UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, a boutique hotel located in Otaru, Hokkaido, we regularly host our signature event series, “Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine,” to showcase Hokkaido’s rich wine culture.
For this upcoming edition, we shine a spotlight on Niki Town, one of Hokkaido’s premier wine-producing regions. The evening features wines from three acclaimed local wineries—Naritaya, Domaine ICHI, and North Creek Farm—paired with a full-course dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients from Yoichi and the wider Shiribeshi region, alongside engaging talks with the winemakers themselves.
Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine – Terroir of Niki –(Scenes from past events)
For our final “Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine” of 2026, we are welcoming three wineries from Niki Town, an area rapidly gaining national and international acclaim as one of Hokkaido’s most vibrant wine regions: Naritaya, Domaine ICHI, and North Creek Farm.
While rooted in the very same soil, each winemaker brings distinct personalities, flavor profiles, and philosophies to their craft. By tasting these diverse wines side-by-side and hearing directly from the artisans behind them, you will discover the multifaceted charm of Niki Town’s unique terroir.
At The Ball Otaru, our in-hotel restaurant, our culinary team has designed a one-night-only full-course menu crafted specifically to complement the wines of these three producers. As autumn transitions into winter, experience an exquisite pairing of Niki wines and seasonal treasures from the surrounding Shiribeshi region, including Yoichi.
Savor the bounties of the land alongside wines born from the same soil. Through an immersive dining experience that feels like a journey straight to Niki Town, spend an evening connecting deeply with the local climate, nature, and food culture.
Event Overview
- Date & Time: Friday, November 20, 2026 | Doors open 18:30 / Starts 19:00 / Ends 21:00 (expected)
- Venue: The Ball Otaru (Restaurant inside UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU)
- Capacity: 20 guests (First-come, first-served basis / Advance reservations required)
- Price: 16,500 Yen (tax included)
Three Distinct Wineries Born from Niki Town
For this event, we have curated six distinctive wines from three pioneering wineries in Niki Town. Even when crafted from grapes nurtured in the exact same region, each wine tells a different story depending on the winemaker’s vision and approach to vinification. As you compare their aromas and tasting notes, you can revel in new layers of flavor unlocked through each culinary pairing.
On the night of the event, the growers and winemakers from each winery will join us to share their insights into their vineyards’ microclimates, their philosophies, and the unique characteristics of each pour. Coming right after the autumn harvest, they will also share firsthand perspectives on how this year’s grape crop turned out.
The true joy of a winemaker’s dinner lies not just in the wine in your glass, but in uncovering the stories of the land and people behind it. Whether you are an experienced wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey into Hokkaido wines, you are sure to make wonderful new discoveries through the passionate words of the producers.
Wine List
North Creek Farm
- For Alice Campbell Early 2025
- Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Naritaya
- Asahidai 245 Blanc 2024 Épisode 4
- Asahidai 245 Chardonnay 2024 Épisode 2
Domaine ICHI
- Pinot Noir 2024
- Dessert Wine Yz
Autumn in Niki on Your Plate: Wine & Cuisine in Perfect Harmony
Centered on the theme “Autumn in Shiribeshi,” we present a 7-course full-course dinner lavishly incorporating ingredients from Yoichi and Niki. Driven by a desire to let guests savor Niki’s wines to the fullest, the chefs at The Ball Otaru have brought their culinary expertise together to craft this exclusive one-night-only menu.
From seafood caught off the coast of Yoichi to rare Hokkaido wild game like wild hare, Ezo deer, and bear meat, these delicacies are paired with autumn vegetables and apples, harmoniously layered with Japanese, Western, and Chinese culinary techniques. Prepared with meticulous attention to aroma, texture, and complex sauces while honoring the natural character of each ingredient, each dish resonates with the featured wines to deliver unforgettable flavor encounters.
Our venue, The Ball Otaru, is an enchanting space where history and modernity merge seamlessly, highlighted by preserved Art Deco architecture such as soaring arched windows and stained glass inherited from the building’s original construction. Within this beautifully renovated historic landmark, immerse yourself in the rich flavors of late autumn alongside fine wine.
*Menu items may be subject to change depending on market availability.
- Amuse-Bouche
- Yoichi & Niki Wild Hare Liver Pâté Macaron, Roasted Ezo Deer Tartare Tartlet, Blue Crab Cream Croquette
- Cold Appetizer
- Flounder from Yoichi Waters | Chinois-Style Sashimi
- Warm Appetizer
- Yoichi & Niki Wild Hare | Leg & Shoulder Ragù with Two Kinds of Gnocchi (Pumpkin & Sweet Potato), Hokkaido Bear Meat Poached with Soy-Vinegar Sauce
- Fish Course
- Yellowtail from Yoichi Waters | Baked with Shiraae (Tofu & Sesame Dressing), Accompanied by Autumn Vegetables
- Meat Course
- Yoichi Kitajima Wine Pork | Slow-Roasted with Rich Red Wine Sauce / Shoulder Loin Asian-Style Steak
- Dessert
- Yoichi Apples | Apple Mousse with Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream and Aronia Berry Sauce
Discovering the Magic of Niki Town Through Wine
Wine “pairing” is the art of enjoying wine and food together so that each elevates the other, creating entirely new dimensions of flavor.
For this event, our hotel team conducted extensive advance tastings alongside the winemakers, curating pairings that not only complement the dishes technically, but also honor the philosophy, craft, and story of each wine.
During the dinner, winemakers will introduce their bottles and our chefs will explain each course, with dedicated time for guests to chat directly with the producers. Hearing firsthand about soil conditions, climate shifts, grape cultivation methods, and winemaking passions brings the flavors in your glass to life in an unforgettable way.
“Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine” is a recurring event series created to make Hokkaido wines more approachable while showcasing their world-class quality. Connect with regional food culture and the artisans’ passions, discover new favorite bottles, or perhaps find your next travel destination—enjoy a truly fulfilling evening.
Step away from your daily routine, take your time savoring exquisite food and wine, and let your heart be inspired by conversation and new discoveries. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable dinner experience at “Taste of Hokkaido Wine & Cuisine – Terroir of Niki –.”
Participating Wineries
Naritaya
After relocating from Tokyo in 2020, owners Mr. and Mrs. Narita began cultivating grapes on an approximately 30-are vineyard while running their local soba and Japanese wine restaurant, “naritaya.” Alongside Chardonnay, they cultivate Alsatian varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. With boundless love, labor, and trial-and-error, they practice low-intervention viticulture to craft pure, elegant wines that express the pure terroir of Asahidai. Following their flagship “Asahidai 245 Blanc” first vinified in 2021, they have released single-varietal bottles including “Asahidai 245 Riesling” and “Asahidai 245 Chardonnay” since 2023.
Domaine ICHI *Japan’s First JAS-Certified Organic Winery
Based in Niki Town, Hokkaido, Domaine ICHI is dedicated to eco-friendly organic farming and natural winemaking. Founder Ichiro Ueda established Berry Berry Farm & Winery Niki in 2008 before launching Domaine ICHI as a new venture in 2020. Guided by the philosophy of “adding nothing, taking nothing away,” they highlight the authentic characteristics of organically grown grapes through natural vinification techniques. Working with a diverse range of varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, Domaine ICHI crafts expressive wines that genuinely reflect the terroir and fruit.
North Creek Farm
Located along the banks of the Yoichi River in Niki Town, North Creek Farm was founded by husband-and-wife team Masamitsu and Ayako Suzuki, who began growing grapes in 2020 to craft wines that celebrate Hokkaido’s cool climate and regional character. On well-drained, well-ventilated hillside slopes, they practice sustainable, environmentally conscious viticulture. In addition to estate-grown wines, they produce refreshing semi-sparkling pet-nat wines using Campbell Early grapes. From the 2024 vintage, they commenced vinification at their own winery. Handcrafted with devotion, their wines deliver the vibrant fruit and pure natural spirit of Hokkaido.
Exclusive Stay Plan to Linger in the Evening’s Afterglow
We have prepared a dedicated accommodation plan allowing guests to stay at our hotel immediately following the event. Within our enchanting rooms—housed in a boldly renovated historic landmark blending storied heritage with contemporary flair—unwind in comfort as you savor the lingering afterglow of a magical evening. In the morning, enjoy our signature high-tea-style breakfast at The Ball Otaru.
This plan is ideal for anyone who wishes to continue enjoying wine or cocktails at our in-hotel bar late into the night without worrying about traveling home, or for those seeking an unforgettable getaway with someone special.
Stay Plan Overview
- Stay Dates: Friday, November 20 – Saturday, November 21, 2026
*Please set your check-in date to Friday, November 20, 2026, to view available plans.
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally constructed in 1931 as the “Former Etchuya Hotel”—Hokkaido’s very first hotel built exclusively for international guests—this historic landmark holds a fascinating past. It served as a military officers’ club during World War II and was later requisitioned by the U.S. military. Designated as an Otaru City Historic Landmark and recognized among the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “33 Heritage Sites of Industrial Modernization,” this architectural gem was revitalized over several years into an exquisite boutique hotel. While carefully preserving the building’s storied romance and Art Deco aesthetic, bold renovations infuse modern sensibilities throughout the property. Honoring the legacy of the past while creating an organic gathering place where locals and travelers connect, we invite you to experience a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that transcends the ordinary classic stay.
<Property Overview>
- Property Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031
- Access: Approx. 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via the JR Hakodate Main Line, followed by a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station