Funaosho, Kurashiki City is home to the Funa Winery.
It is famous for its wine made from the queen of grapes, "Muscat of Alexandria".
I heard that the "Winery Sakura Festival" would be held here, so I went to hear more about it.
What is the "Winery Sakura Festival"?
The "Winery Sakura Festival" (hereafter referred to as "Sakura Festival") started in 2017 and, after a hiatus due to measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus, 2025 will mark its 5th year.
Funa Winery, which is also a hidden cherry blossom spot, hopes to introduce itself to many people through this event, not only by selling winery products but also by gathering local performances and shops.
Around Funa Winery, there are approximately 100 cherry trees.
During the weekends of the cherry blossom blooming season, many shops will gather for the Sakura Festival, which will be held over two weekends.
- Stage performances by taiko drumming and bands
- Delicious food and sweets from shops and food trucks in Funao and Mabi
- Fresh vegetables
- Sales of glass wine and soft serve ice cream
Additionally, on the day of the event, there will be a lottery for every 2,000 yen spent at the winery shop, with luxurious prizes including wine, juice, jam, and shopping discount coupons.
The programs and vendors will differ between the first week (March 29-30) and the second week (April 5-6).
For more details, please check the flyer image below.
"Sakura Wine" under the Cherry Blossoms
At Funa Winery, they are selling a new product, a dry "Sakura Wine" brewed with yeast extracted from cherry blossoms.
This was developed in collaboration with Okayama University of Science, and it is the first time Funa Winery has used natural yeast. It seems that the quantity is still limited, so early purchase is recommended.
The mountains surrounding the winery also serve as a birdwatching course. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to the chirping of various birds under the cherry trees.
Swallows have also come to the shop, and they were in the midst of building their nests.
Lots of Delicious Food
On the day of the event, popular shops and food trucks from the local Funao and Mabi areas will be present.
There will be a variety of menus available daily, including cooked bread, rice balls, bento, grilled chicken, okonomiyaki rolls, fruit sandwiches, and cookies, so it is recommended to check the flyer for the days your desired items will be available.
Of course, there will also be glass wine from Funa Winery, as well as the popular Muscat soft serve ice cream and juice for children and drivers. Tastings of the wine will also be available.
Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing at Funa Winery this Year
When I visited, the buds had just begun to bloom, but there were many cherry trees of various types and sizes around the winery. On the day of the Sakura Festival, many flowers will surely greet visitors.
The cherry blossoms at Funa Winery are not only around the building but also on the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
You can relax under the tent in the winery's garden or sit on a bench on the mountain slope, overlooking the grape greenhouses and buildings through the cherry blossoms, enjoying the scenery in various ways.
I had a feeling that the Sakura Festival would increase the number of visitors to this new cherry blossom spot in Kurashiki.
Welcome to the Hidden Cherry Blossom Spot, Funa Winery
Nami Soukai, the Public Relations Officer of Funa Winery Co., Ltd., who planned the "Winery Sakura Festival," said the following:
Soukai
You can only enjoy cherry blossoms and wine together at this time of year.
Enjoy Funa Winery's wine and juice along with delicious food.
The degree of blooming will vary depending on when you visit. The first week will see the beginning of the bloom, the second week will be in full bloom, and then a carpet of cherry blossoms... Depending on the weather and wind direction, you can enjoy different atmospheres in the same place.
Please come as many times as you like, with family, friends, or even alone.
Conclusion
I had visited Funa Winery many times, but I had never known that there were so many cherry trees. I became even more eager to attend the Sakura Festival, wondering how wonderful it would be when the cherry blossoms on this mountain are in full bloom.
The shop is open even on days without events, and tastings and product purchases are available.
Manager Shogo told me, "Please bring a bento and relax while enjoying the cherry blossoms in your favorite spot this spring."
As a new cherry blossom spot in Kurashiki, why not visit the "Winery Sakura Festival"?
Data on the Winery Sakura Festival
| Name | Winery Sakura Festival |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 30 (Saturday) and 31 (Sunday), 2025 April 5 (Saturday) and April 6 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 611-2 Mizue, Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free *Food and drink costs are separate |
| Website | Official Website of Funa Winery |
