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The Ultimate
Japan
Culinary and Wine Adventure
Friday, July 19 - Saturday, July 27, 2024
Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido
We are excited to release the itinerary for this epic culinary and wine adventure in Japan, specially curated by a food and wine sensei that has lived in the country for 50 years and helped integrate Michelin in a big way. This journey promises to be a feast for all your senses, creating memories to cherish forever as we indulge in some of the world’s greatest wines at some of Japan’s most esteemed restaurants, both renowned to outsiders and to insiders! Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
$23,333 per person*
Limited to 14 People
Includes all featured events and tax, as well as transportation to Kyoto and Hokkaido.
*Airfare to and from Japan, hotel accommodations, and local ground transportation to and from events not included.
Registration secured upon full payment. There are no refunds unless we can replace your seat from a waitlist. Itinerary details are subject to change without notice.
TOKYO
July 19 - July 22
Friday July 19
Flight Arrival & Hotel Check-In
Arrive at Tokyo-Haneda airport the day before the trip begins and check in to your hotel of choice. Recommended Hotels (4 nights):
Saturday July 20
Welcome Champagne & Sushi Lunch; 1989 Bordeaux Kobe Dinner
Day one starts off fast and furious with a dynamic doubleheader starting with an award-winning sushi lunch paired with fine Champagne. Later, we check in on the exceptional 1989 Bordeaux vintage, accompanied by the highest quality beef Japan has to offer.
12:00PM: Champagne & Sushi Lunch
Welcome to Japan! Indulge in the finest selection of sushi, meticulously prepared by renowned sushi chef Hiroyuki Sato (formerly of *Michelin Sushi Tokami), in what is fast becoming a Tokyo institution. This is a place befitting of a special occasion, so dive into the best Maguro in Japan while enjoying the epitome of luxurious Champagne from the brilliant 1996 vintage. Itadakimasu!
- Krug Clos du Mesnil
- Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises
- Salon Champagne
- Krug
- Dom Perignon Rose
- Philipponnat Clos des Goisses
- Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
- Dom Perignon
8:30PM: Dinner at *Michelin Karyu Featuring Legendary 1989 Bordeaux
Revel in an extraordinary culinary journey at Michelin-starred Karyu, where owner-chef Haruka Katayanagi showcases the pinnacle of Japanese black wagyu beef with innovative dishes in an elegant kaiseki setting. Elevating the experience further, we’ll be experiencing a reflective tasting of Bordeaux’s legendary 1989 vintage.
- Petrus
- Haut Brion
- Lafleur
- La Mission Haut Brion
- Lafite
- Clinet
- Cheval Blanc
- Margaux
- Angelus
- Montrose
- Mouton Rothschild
- Palmer
- Lynch Bages
- La Conseillante
- Vieux Chateau Certan
- Pichon Baron
- Pichon Lalande
Sunday July 21
Dinner At Michelin Three-Star Ryugin
We’re in for a special treat at Ryugin (***Michelin), where famed chef Seiji Yamamoto presents elegant kaiseki cuisine, offering multi-course meals that highlight the essence of Japanese culinary traditions while incorporating modern techniques and flavors. Ryugin's commitment to excellence and culinary innovation has made it a destination for food enthusiasts from around the world. One of only twelve Tokyo Michelin three-star restaurants, Ryugin is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Asia by various publications and culinary organizations. We look forward to exploring the exquisite selection of wines available on their list ~ at their insistence!
Monday July 22
Fabulous Fish Market Tour & Traditional Ryotei Dinner Starring Coche-Dury
Start your day touring Tokyo’s renowned fish markets (optional), setting the stage for an incredible evening of exclusive dining at Shinbashi Kanetanaka featuring an amazing lineup of all Coche-Dury wines.
9:00AM – 12:00PM: Private Tour of Toyosu & Tsukiji Fish Markets
Join our English-speaking guide on a private Acker bus for a quick journey to the historic Tsukiji Fish Market. Here, amid thriving shops, restaurants, and food stalls, we will savor the essence of Japanese culinary culture. Afterwards, we make our way to Toyosu, the vibrant man-made island housing the world’s largest and most famous fish market. Dive into the electrifying ambiance of bustling auction halls, where an incredible variety of fresh fish and seafood from across Japan awaits your exploration.
6:00PM: Reception & Dinner At Shinbashi Kanetanaka Featuring Guest Chef Masakazu Ishibashi & The Wines Of Domaine Coche-Dury
Our culinary adventure continues at a traditional Japanese Ryotei, widely regarded as the most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo. At 6pm, we’ll enjoy an aperitif in a specially prepared garden room, setting the stage for our evening. At 7pm, we’ll be treated to an exquisite dining experience starting with the restaurant’s original kaiseki cuisine, followed by an assortment of sushi, and a serving of wagyu beef, prepared by the talented Masakazu Ishibashi, former head chef of the Michelin two-star Shoukouwa in Singapore. Seated in a private tatami room, we’ll savor our meal paired with the wines of Coche-Dury, considered by many to be the greatest white wine producer in all of Burgundy.
- 2010 Coche Dury Corton Charlemagne
- 2005 Coche Dury Corton Charlemagne
- 2008 Coche Dury Meursault Les Perrieres
- 2014 Coche Dury Meursault Genevrieres
- 2017 Coche Dury Meursault Caillerets
- 2009 Coche Dury Meursault Chevaliers
- 2006 Coche Dury Meursault Caillerets
- 2020 Coche Dury Meursault
- 2017 Coche Dury Meursault
- 2018 Coche Dury Meursault
- 2019 Coche Dury Meursault
- 2021 Coche Dury Bourgogne Blanc
- 2020 Coche Dury Bourgogne Blanc
- 2019 Coche Dury Bourgogne Blanc
KYOTO
July 23 - July 24
Tuesday July 23
Bullet Train To Kyoto, Hotel Check-In & Dinner at Kyoto’s Most Legendary Dining Destination
Enjoy the stunning views of Japan’s picturesque landscapes during your two hour trip on the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. This iconic voyage sets the stage for the next leg of our adventure in enchanting Kyoto.
1:00PM: Bullet Train: Shinkansen to Kyoto
Train time is optional, but it’s recommended we travel as a group.
3:00PM: Hotel Check-In
6:30PM: Traditional Kaiseki Dinner At Arashiyama Kitcho Featuring Keller Riesling
Tonight, we are privileged to dine at the famed Arashiyama Kitcho, nestled along the tranquil Katsura River overlooking Arashiyama bamboo grove. With a storied history spanning over 90 years, this world-renowned establishment is helmed by Chef Kunio Tokuoka and his team of star chefs, celebrated for their mastery of classic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine. We’ll enjoy a special lineup of highly sought Keller Riesling as we embrace the privilege of experiencing Kyoto's most coveted dining ticket! Traditional Geisha entertainment is part of the experience, and those that know Kyoto know this place, one that used to be private and also refuses to chase after Michelin stars!
- 2009 G-Max, Keller
- 2010 G-Max, Keller
- 2014 G-Max, Keller
- 2012 G-Max, Keller
- 2012 Keller Riesling Nierstein Hipping GG 60th Anniversary
- 2016 Keller Riesling Nierstein Hipping GG
- 2016 Keller Riesling Westhofen Morstein GG
- 2017 Keller Riesling Westhofen Morstein GG
- 2013 Keller Riesling Nierstein Hipping GG
- 2014 Keller Riesling Nierstein Hipping GG
- 2014 Keller Riesling Westhofen Morstein GG
- 2010 Keller Westhofen Kirchspiel Riesling Spatlese
Wednesday July 24
Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri Festival & 2017 Burgundy Dinner At TOKI
Timing couldn't be better as we arrive in Kyoto during the vibrant Gion Matsuri, the city’s largest festival. We recommend you take in the colorful parades and savor the tantalizing street food at your leisure before we rendezvous for dinner (right in the Mitsui Kyoto hotel) at the exceptional TOKI restaurant featuring a spectacular lineup of 2017 Burgundy.
9:30AM – 11:50AM: Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival
Enjoy free time on your own at one of Japan’s most popular summertime festivals!
8:00PM: Dinner At TOKI Featuring Spectacular 2017 Burgundy
Tonight, we gather for a magnificent dining experience showcasing Burgundy from the illustrious 2017 vintage. Already renowned for its exceptional white wines, the 2017 vintage has more recently been recognized for its equally delectable, juicy and crunchy reds. This lucky seven-year retrospective will be accompanied by the French-inspired cuisine of Chef Tetsuya Asano, whose culinary prowess earned him the honor of representing Japan in the prestigious 2027 Bocuse d'Or International Culinary Competition. Prepare to be enchanted by an exquisite blend of culinary mastery and exceptional wine pairings.
- DRC Romanee-Saint-Vivant
- Lafon Montrachet
- Rousseau Chambertin
- Liger-Belair Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
- Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet
- Roumier Bonnes Mares
- Ramonet Batard-Montrachet
- Arnaud Ente Meursault La Petits Charrons
- Ramonet Bienvenues Batard Montrachet
- Dujac Clos de la Roche
- Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche
- Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Corton Charlemagne
- Vogue Musigny
- Mugneret-Gibourg Echezeaux
- Roulot Meursault Charmes
- Lafon Meursault Charmes
HOKKAIDO
July 25 - July 27
Thursday July 25
Travel To Hokkaido, Hotel Check-In & First-Ever Vertical of Cuvée Christiane
Journey to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, expansive coastline, and rich agricultural heritage. After settling into the hotel, anticipate an extraordinary evening including a rare tasting experience - the first-ever vertical of Domaine de Montille Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts Christiane. This exceptional parcel of Malconsorts borders on La Tache!
8:30AM: Private Bus To Itami Airport
Bus departs from Mitsui Kyoto Hotel
11:15AM: Flight To Hokkaido
3:00PM: Hotel Check-In
Transportation will be provided from Hokadate Aiport to hotels for guests arriving on flight 2123 from Itami.
7:00PM: An Evening Of Cuvee Christiane
Tonight, we switch things up a bit and dine at a hidden gem of a French restaurant in Hokkaido, led by chef-owner Kazuyaki Matsunaga, who has trained under famous chefs in both France and Japan. Amidst the restaurant’s enchanting ambience and alluring menu, we anticipate an unprecedented tasting experience that will take us through each of the eighteen vintages of Domaine de Montille Cuvée Christiane. Cuvée Christiane pays homage to Etienne de Montille’s mother, the late Hubert de Montille's wife, and is a testament to the estate's illustrious history, which dates back to the 1730s. Sourced from a prized parcel in the Malconsorts vineyard, adjacent to the hallowed grounds of La Tâche, the terroir is truly special. JK's recent encounter with the inaugural 2005 vintage left an indelible mark and set the stage for this unforgettable evening. Prepare to be blown away!
Friday July 26
Grand Finale! Explore Hokkaido & Celebrate The Opening Of De Montille & Hokkaido Vineyards
Both hotels are are conveniently located to set out and see the sights of this vibrant island. Spend the day exploring before we join together for a grand send off, celebrating the opening of Domaine de Montille’s groundbreaking winery in Hokkaido.
5:00PM: Inauguration of de Montille & Hokkaido
7:30PM: Tasting and Dinner Buffet / Kokusai Hotel in Hakodate
Join close friends and fellow winemakers for a momentous occasion celebrating the grand opening of Domaine de Montille's Hokkaido winery. Etienne de Montille recognized Hokkaido’s potential for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and initiated the groundbreaking "de Montille & Hokkaido" project in 2016—a pioneering endeavor in Japanese viticulture. The mission of the de Montille & Hokkaido project is to foster a dynamic exchange of expertise and knowledge between Burgundian tradition and Hokkaido's unique terroir. As we gather for a formal welcoming ceremony followed by a dinner/party, we honor the millennia-old winemaking heritage of Burgundy while embracing the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines this new chapter in Japanese winemaking history. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
A fitting finale to our unforgettable journey!
