Funao Winery makes the most of locally produced wine and Funao’s natural surroundings to hold appealing seasonal events. At the start of the new year, it will hold an event titled “Hot Festival.”
Following last year’s event (2025), the “Hot Festival” will be held again. This time’s highlights are performances by Okayama-dialect rakugo performer Jumbo-tei Konan and juggler Tochimochi, both active in their local Kurashiki.
In addition to the various wines from Funao Winery, warm dishes will be served from food trucks and other vendors. New products, bottled ice cream and Aleki Vinegar, will also make their debut, making this look set to be a hot day of fun for adults and children alike.
The information presented was current when this article was published in January 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About “Funao Winery Hot Festival: Wine, Rakugo, and Street Performance”
“Funao Winery Hot Festival: Wine, Rakugo, and Street Performance” will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With the Christmas and New Year season over and the cold at its most severe, there are fewer events at this time of year than in other seasons. The organizers say they decided to hold the “Funao Winery Hot Festival” again this year, following last year’s event, to give people a chance to go out with family and friends at just such a time.
The main activities are as follows:
- Rakugo and street performance
- Wine and drinks from Funao Winery
- Sale of new bottled ice cream and Aleki Vinegar
- Warm dishes from food trucks and other vendors
- A “kenkenpa corner” to help you shake off the cold
- A fun gift for the first visitors
Enjoyable Okayama-dialect rakugo and lively juggling indoors
This year’s (2026) highlight is rakugo and street performance, making their first appearance at Funao Winery.
Jumbo-tei Konan, an Okayama-dialect rakugo performer, and juggler Tochimochi usually work as Kurashiki City employees.
During the heavy rains in July 2018, the two visited evacuation shelters in Mabi and gave performances. On the day, each is scheduled to perform three times (free admission).
Get moving outside with “kenkenpa”
A “kenkenpa” corner will also be set up in the winery garden.
Energetic children should have fun even in the cold. Adults, too, might enjoy giving it a try for old times’ sake.
New bottled ice cream and Aleki Vinegar make their debut
At the “Funao Winery Hot Festival,” two new products will make their debut.
The first is the second collaborative dessert with Le Foyer, located in Aruki, Kurashiki City: Muscat of Alexandria Bottled Ice Cream.
The contrast of green and white is beautiful, making it look like a jewel box. It consists of layers of Muscat of Alexandria ice cream and sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and cookies.
When I tried it, a gentle, sweet muscat aroma wafted out as soon as I opened the lid. I enjoyed not only the flavors of the ice cream and sorbet, but also their different textures.
You can savor the different flavors separately or mix them a little for a different taste. This generously sized bottled ice cream gave me the feeling it would be a hit.
200 ml, 700 yen (tax included)
The second is Muscat of Alexandria Vinegar.
Manager Jogo Tetsuya said, “Using Kurashiki City-grown Muscat of Alexandria, with its rich aroma and refined sweetness, has resulted in a fruity vinegar with a mellow acidity that’s easy to drink.”
I tried this one too.
When I opened the bottle, the sweet muscat aroma, along with a soft acidity, tickled my nose. Rather than a sharp vinegar smell, it had an aroma with an acidity that made me want to taste it right away, so I diluted it with water and gave it a try. The acidity and sweetness were both just right, and it seems like something children would enjoy drinking too.
It also made me want to try using it in cooking.
200 ml, 750 yen (tax included)
Enjoy delicious food that’s perfect for a cold day.
In addition to Funao Winery’s regular menu, warm food and drinks available only on the day will also be sold.
- Otoko Udon
Udon - Mitsu no Shizuku
Roasted sweet potatoes and roasted chestnuts - Taiwan Meshi
Lu rou fan, Taiwanese oden - FRUITSAND COPAIN
Fruit sandwiches and more - Creative Club Okayama
Zenzai - Funao Winery
Hot wine and hot Aleki
A hot and fun day
We spoke with event coordinator Nami Sokai about this event.
Sokai (surname omitted)
Although Okayama Prefecture is known as the “Land of Sunshine,” in winter there are many days when the high temperature is in the single digits, and it’s the time of year when you want to spend the day indoors somewhere warm. We planned this event hoping people would get a little exercise to shake off the cold and make fun winter memories at Funao Winery.
For this second event, you can enjoy performances by Okayama-dialect rakugo performer Jumbo-tei Konan and juggler Tochimochi in the warm hall. Also, in keeping with the event’s name, there will be plenty of warm food for sale.
We’d be delighted if you enjoy delicious food along with hot wine and other drinks.
I hear there will be other lovely gifts on the day, too.
Sokai
January 27, two days after the event, is “Funao Sweet Pea Day,” a play on words based on “ii Funao.”
To mark the occasion, the first 50 groups who spend 3,000 yen or more on in-store products will receive one sweet pea. There will also be special deals on products available for a limited time, as well as a “kenkenpa corner” where you can get moving outside and warm up.
Why not spend a fun time at Funao Winery, so enjoyable you’ll forget the cold?
From the Writer
I’ve always looked forward to Funao Winery’s events, which make the most of their nature-rich location and showcase the appeal of wines and sweets made with locally grown grapes, including Muscat of Alexandria.
Amateur artists and performers active in the local community have also been appearing one after another, making the events increasingly hard to miss.
Although the cold is severe at this time of year, the performances I’m looking forward to and the warming food and wine should make for a hot time, and I’m excited for the day.
I hope it will be a day enjoyed by many visitors.
Funao Winery Wine and Music Festival details
| Name | Funao Winery Wine and Music Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 25, 2026 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Location | 611-2 Mizue, Funao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free ※Food and drinks are charged |
| Website | Funao Winery |
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