One-Day-Only Special Event: Enjoy Live Opera Singing and a Scenic Dinner at Winery Restaurant St. Cousair on August 29

St. Cousair Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Iizuna-machi, Nagano Prefecture; President & CEO: Ryota Kuse) will host a one-night-only special event titled 'Opera Dinner – The Final Movement of Summer' at its 'Winery Restaurant St. Cousair' on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This unique event combines live performances of famous opera arias by renowned musicians with local ties to Nagano Prefecture and a limited-time course menu, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is the breathtaking live performances by accomplished musicians, including baritone Kei Kondo, a native of Nagano City. The event was conceived to offer guests the experience of authentic artistry without needing to visit a traditional opera house. Guests can enjoy an elegant evening for adults, complete with St. Cousair’s signature wines and cuisine, all set against the stunning evening views overlooking vineyards.

Guests can relax and unwind, enjoying beautiful scenery from the windows and escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.

*Photo shows dishes from last summer’s dinner event

Bringing 'Mature Adult Culture' from Iizuna-machi: A Project Rooted in Our Founding Vision

The origins of St. Cousair no Oka trace back to the founders, Ryozo and Mayumi Kuse, who, in their 30s, traveled through the French countryside and were deeply inspired by the 'mature beauty and richness' they encountered there. Guided by the ideal of transforming their hometown into a refined and wonderful place, they established a winery and restaurant in Iizuna-machi.

This 'Opera Dinner – The Final Movement of Summer' returns to that founding vision. While wine and opera are often perceived as inaccessible, St. Cousair aims to make these experiences enjoyable and approachable within its uniquely comfortable space, helping to cultivate a rich cultural atmosphere in the local community.

Visit the St. Cousair no Oka website here

Enjoy panoramic views of the gentle hills and farmland of Iizuna-machi, Nagano Prefecture, with vineyard vistas framed by trellised grapevines visible from the windows.

Voice from the Event Planner: Sommelier Shun Miyazawa

Sommelier Shun Miyazawa

Many people may feel that opera and wine are intimidating. However, what we want to offer from this place is a relaxed and enjoyable experience that adds a touch of richness to everyday life.

Whether you are an opera enthusiast or experiencing it for the first time, we aim to deliver a memorable experience combining live performances of famous opera arias with seasonal cuisine. We have also prepared special non-alcoholic drinks exclusively for this day for those who do not consume alcohol. We welcome everyone to join us freely.

'The Final Movement of Summer' Performed by Leading Musicians from Nagano Prefecture

On the day, as the summer heat begins to ease and the evening breeze sets in, musicians with strong ties to Nagano Prefecture will deliver high-quality musical performances.

Kei Kondo

Baritone Kei Kondo (Kondo Kei)

Born in Nagano City. Graduated at the top of his class from the Graduate School of the National University of Music. Completed the 9th cohort of the Opera Training Program at the New National Theatre Tokyo. Studied in Germany with a scholarship from the Rohm Music Foundation. Performed as the Grandfather Clock in Seiji Ozawa’s production of 'L'Enfant et les sortilèges' and as Papageno in 'The Magic Flute' at the New National Theatre, among over 70 roles performed at major theaters nationwide.

In recent years, he has also been involved in directing and producing. He frequently appears on television and in media and serves as an instructor at the Tokyo Nikikai Opera Training Program.

Shihoko Higashida

Soprano Shihoko Higashida (Higashida Shihoko)

Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and entered the Opera Training Program at the New National Theatre Tokyo at the youngest age in its history. Graduated from the Graduate School of Music and Theatre at the University of Music and Theatre Rostock, Germany, with the highest honors. Has performed in numerous operas and concerts both domestically and internationally, including at the Saito Kinen Festival.

Her crystalline, transparent voice, often described as a 'crystal voice,' consistently receives high acclaim. She spent every summer of her childhood in Iizuna-machi and is a devoted fan of St. Cousair.

Yuki Tsujita

Pianist Yuki Tsujita (Tsujita Yuki)

Graduated from the Music Department of Osaka Prefectural Yoyogi High School, then completed the Piano Major in the Instrumental Music Department at Tokyo University of the Arts, followed by the Master’s Program at the same university. Selected as an outstanding piano performer upon graduation. Currently a lecturer at the Faculty of Music, St. Andrew’s University, and at Showa University of Music.

Event Overview

Event Name

Opera Dinner – The Final Movement of Summer

Date and Time

Saturday, August 29, 2026: Doors open at 17:30 / Performance starts at 18:00

Venue

Winery Restaurant St. Cousair

Menu

Amuse-bouche: Sunset Glow – Tamago-mochi from Shinano Town in verrine form Appetizer: Colors of Late Summer – Shinshu salmon poached with two dressings Main Course: Aroma of Summer’s End – Roast beef with red wine sauce Dessert: Aria under the Moonlight – Opera-style panna cotta

Coffee or tea served after the meal

*One complimentary drink: either house wine or premium non-alcoholic cocktail

Price

9,600 JPY (tax included)

*Includes performance admission, course meal, and one drink (same price for alcoholic and non-alcoholic options)

Reservations

Online reservation

Notes

*Reservation deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by 17:00 *Reservations will close once capacity is reached, so please understand in advance. *For reservations from Wednesday, August 26 onward, please contact us by phone.

*Please note that shuttle bus service is not available.

Reserve here

Store and Contact Information

Store Name

Winery Restaurant St. Cousair

Address

1260 Imokawa, Iizuna-machi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-1201

Phone Number

026-253-8070 (Reception hours: 10:00–17:00)

Website

https://www.stcousair.co.jp/valley

Winery Restaurant St. Cousair Details

St. Cousair

A maker brand that manufactures and sells wine, jam, pasta sauce, and more, under the concept of 'Country Comfort – the richness and comfort of rural life.' The brand originated from homemade apple jam created by the founder while operating a guesthouse in the Shinshu Hananoki Highlands. At 'St. Cousair no Oka' in Iizuna-machi, Nagano Prefecture, visitors can experience the beautiful nature of Shinshu and the brand’s core concept of 'Country Comfort' at a facility that integrates a winery, shop, restaurant, factory, and headquarters.

Website and SNS

Official Website URL https://www.stcousair.co.jp/company ■Official Online Shop https://kuzefuku.com ■Rakuten Market Store https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sc-rkt/

Official SNS X (Kuze Fukushouten): https://x.com/kuzefuku X (St. Cousair): https://x.com/stcousair

Instagram (Kuze Fukushouten): https://www.instagram.com/kuzefuku/ Instagram (St. Cousair): https://www.instagram.com/st.cousair/

Facebook (Kuze Fukushouten): https://www.facebook.com/kuzefuku/ Facebook (St. Cousair): https://www.facebook.com/stcousai