Furano Wine and Grape Festival

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Furano Wine and Grape Festival: A Bacchanalian Bash in Hokkaido’s Heartland

Every September, as the first hints of autumn color the trees, the good folk of Furano throw open their doors—and their wine barrels—for a festival that’s part harvest celebration, part culinary carnival. The Furano Wine and Grape Festival has become an annual beacon for anyone who fancies a tipple, a taste of local fare, or simply a day in the sun enjoying Hokkaido’s countryside at its finest. Here, amid sprawling vineyards and temperamental weather, Furano’s winemakers have mastered their craft, producing bottles brimming with robust acidity and a unique flavor that owes much to the region’s dramatic shifts in temperature and boundless sunshine.

But, really, this festival is less about quiet contemplation over a glass of merlot and more about reveling in the full bounty of Furano’s natural larder—grapes, cheeses, corn, and pumpkins—while stomping on grapes and running races with wine barrels. In short, it’s a day out for everyone: wine lovers, foodies, families, and fun-seekers alike.

Highlights of the Festival

Let’s take a closer look at the treasures awaiting you:

  • Wine Tasting: First things first, the wine. Three local wineries—Furano Wine, Domaine Raison, and Tada Winery—proudly offer their finest bottles for your tasting pleasure. Try a little of each, find a favorite (or two, or three), and stock up for the year. There’s nothing quite like taking a piece of Furano home with you, especially when it’s bottled.
  • Grape Stomping: Channel your inner vintner by partaking in one of the festival’s most beloved traditions: barefoot grape stomping. There’s something undeniably joyful about squishing grapes beneath your toes, and it’s a must-try for visitors of all ages. Just don’t wear your best shoes.
  • Food and Drinks: Of course, no festival worth its salt (or sugar) would be complete without a veritable smorgasbord of local delights. Here, you can gorge yourself on a range of treats: fresh grape juice for those giving their liver a rest, gooey cheese fondue, buttery corn on the cob, delightfully odd pumpkin dumplings, and even fluffy cheese pancakes.
  • Unique Experiences: Ever wanted to hang out in an underground wine cellar turned secret bar? Well, for this day only, Furano Wine Factory’s subterranean storeroom will morph into just that. Once you’ve explored the cellar, try your hand at quirky competitions like the wine barrel race (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) or the ever-enticing pumpkin weight-guessing contest.
  • Entertainment: Keeping the atmosphere lively, the festival will feature live performances, stage demonstrations, and craft-making activities for children. It’s an event designed to be fun for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a wide-eyed kid discovering grape juice for the first time.

Event Details

Now that you’re sold on the idea, you’ll want to get down to the practicalities:

  • Date: Early September—exact dates can vary, so be sure to check ahead.
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Just enough time to indulge, but not so much that you need a day off to recover).
  • Venue: Shimizuyama, Furano Wine Factory Lower Parking Lot (sounds more industrial than it is—trust me, it’s quite lovely).
  • Admission: Free (yes, you read that right. Wine tasting, grape stomping, and food-tasting, all without an entry fee).

Getting There

Hokkaido’s open spaces might make you think it’s all quiet country roads and no way to get anywhere without a car. But fret not, this festival has thought of everything.

  • By Foot: You could stroll there from JR Furano Station (about 32 minutes) or take a shorter jaunt from JR Gakuden Station (around 23 minutes).
  • Shuttle Service: For those who’d rather not hoof it, free shuttle buses run between Furano Station and the festival venue. A thoughtful nod to convenience, and, I suspect, a silent service to festival-goers who might have overindulged in the tastings.
  • Parking: Plenty of it. There’s parking at the venue, as well as additional lots at Furano Ryokuho High School and across from JA Furano, with shuttles from those spots too.

Final Thoughts: A Festival That’s More than Just Grape Expectations

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that the Furano Wine and Grape Festival is an absolute corker. Whether you’re in it for the wine, the food, the family fun, or the sheer novelty of stomping grapes with your bare feet, this event offers something for everyone. It’s a full-bodied experience of the best kind: rich in flavor, steeped in tradition, and served with a side of Hokkaido hospitality.

So mark your calendar, check the dates, and prepare for a day that will leave you with happy memories, full bellies, and maybe a bottle (or three) of Furano’s finest to savor at home.

Note: Information can be subject to change, so check the official websites for the most up-to-date details.