I enjoyed a French course lunch (5,500 yen) using Hokkaido ingredients paired with their own wines at the restaurant attached to Niki Hills Winery. The quality of the food was quite high, and lunch with a view of the vineyard was fantastic. I hope their own wines will continue to improve even more in the future.

Within the winery, there is a restaurant where the menu consists of poems written by a chef from Kansai, rather than dish names. Each section of the poem corresponds to a dish that is served. The town of Niki, where the restaurant is located, has been experiencing snowfall for a few days, creating a picturesque scene as we enjoyed our lunch. There were a total of 9 dishes, including 7 dishes following the poem and 2 special dishes from the chef. The first dish was a Western-style cream puff filled with red bean paste and foie gras, inspired by the chef's childhood memories. The following dishes were served according to the poem, with unique presentations and flavors. The chef's creativity shone through, especially with dishes like the vegetable-rich soup and the warm escabeche of spotted sardine. The main course featured a variety of cuts from the local brand pork, Hokushima pork, and dessert showcased a unique apple and tonka bean mousse made with local apples. The meal ended with tea or coffee and the chef's special financier. It was a memorable experience, with the chef and sommelier providing excellent service and knowledge about the local produce. Overall, it was a unique dining experience that left a lasting impression.