PRESS RELEASE

Press Release

[Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa] To Minabe-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan's largest plum village. Started offering a guided tour of Umehata guided by plum farmers and a tasting experience of 4 original brand Umeshu

A journey to experience the story of plum making in a land of world agricultural heritage

Yohei Arimoto, owner of Arimoto Farm, Minabe-cho, Wakayama Prefecture

From January 22 (Thursday) to January 31 (Sat) and February 19 (Thursday) to March 7 (Sat), 2026, Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa (Location: Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, with a view to the magnificent Pacific Ocean from all guest rooms. In this plan, you can visit Arimoto Farm, which runs a plum farmer in Minabe-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, stroll through the plum field, visit the plum wine factory, and compare the four kinds of original plum wine "Plumity" under the guidance of plum farmers. In addition, we have prepared souvenirs related to plums so that you can enjoy the lingering of your trip at home. It is a content that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of plums by touching the unique commitment of plum farmers that consistently handles everything from plum cultivation and processing to the sale of products.

Project background of this plan

Brand plum "Nankoume" is the place where Minabe-cho was born

 

Wakayama Prefecture has the highest yield of plums in Japan, accounting for 29,700 tons, about 60% of the country's yield (51,600 tons). (*1) Among them, Minabe-cho, where our hotel is located, is the most popular area in the prefecture where plum production is thriving, and is the birthplace of the brand plum "Nankoume" known nationwide. In 2015, the Minabe Tanabe Plum System (* 2), which has been passed down for many years, was recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage Site. In such a world-class plum production area, we would like to deliver it as a trip to experience the production site, not just sightseeing. Plum farmers actually guide you and touch the scent of the field, the careful process of processing work, and the backside of making plum wine, so you can deeply feel the charm of the area, including plums, which are local specialties, and the activities of people. You.

＊1 Refer to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2024 Survey of Crop Production Statistics https://www.maff.go.jp/j/tokei/kouhyou/sakumotu/sakkyou_kazyu/pdf/syukaku_biwa_24.pdf
＊2 Agricultural system that has been continuously producing high-quality plums for 400 years by arranging Bairin while leaving wood charcoal forest using a slope with poor nutrients, gravel and crumbling.

 

1． Learn about the commitment of plum making by visiting plum fields and factory tours with plum farmers

Wakayama Prefecture has the highest yield of plums in Japan, accounting for 29,700 tons, about 60% of the country's yield (51,600 tons). (*1) Among them, Minabe-cho, where our hotel is located, is the most popular area in the prefecture where plum production is thriving, and is the birthplace of the brand plum "Nankoume" known nationwide. In 2015, the Minabe Tanabe Plum System (* 2), which has been passed down for many years, was recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage Site. In such a world-class plum production area, we would like to deliver it as a trip to experience the production site, not just sightseeing. Plum farmers actually guide you and touch the scent of the field, the careful process of processing work, and the backside of making plum wine, so you can deeply feel the charm of the area, including plums, which are local specialties, and the activities of people. You.

＊1 Refer to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2024 Survey of Crop Production Statistics https://www.maff.go.jp/j/tokei/kouhyou/sakumotu/sakkyou_kazyu/pdf/syukaku_biwa_24.pdf
＊2 Agricultural system that has been continuously producing high-quality plums for 400 years by arranging Bairin while leaving wood charcoal forest using a slope with poor nutrients, gravel and crumbling.

1． Learn about the commitment of plum making by visiting plum fields and factory tours with plum farmers

After actually observing the plum garden and the process of making plum wine, at the end of the program, you can sample four kinds of original plum wine brand "Plumity" produced by Arimoto Farm. "Plumity Black", which has a rich aroma and flavor of fruits using ripe Minamikoume from Minabe, "Plumity White" prepared based on Ginjo sake, "Plumity Green" made with rare varieties, and "Plumity Pink" made with a new variety of sweet potatoes You can enjoy the changing aroma and afterwarding due to differences in varieties and prepared liquor. The plum used for plum wine is selected for fragrant fruits, which are only 5 to 8% of the total yield, and is carefully selected. While feeling the commitment of the creator, you can enjoy the taste that makes use of the original flavor and individuality of plums that can be seen by comparing drinking.

In addition, for those who do not drink alcohol, we prepare three kinds of plum syrup using the same plum as plum making. You can enjoy the difference between gentle sweetness and refreshing acidity depending on the variety and finish.

【Introduction of 4 kinds of plum wine plumity】

・Mature "Nanko" plum wine Plumity Black

Plum sake that allows you to feel the full aroma of the plum fruit, made by carefully pickled large ripe Minamiko plums with no clutter and unsuccessful ice sugar. The scent spreads at the moment when poured into the glass, and if you include a bite, you can enjoy the rich fruit feeling as if you had a plum as it is, and the rich flavor with a long lingering finish.

・Ginjoshu brewing 'Nanko' plum wine Plumity White

Ginjo sake from Takagaki Sake Brewery located in Aritagawa-cho, Wakayama Prefecture is used. It is characterized by a refreshing and fruity taste that makes you want to enjoy with a wine glass, which harmonizes the aroma of Ginjo with the sourness and fruitfulness of Minamikoume.

・Ginjoshu brewing 'Suiko' plum wine Plumity Green

Uses a rare variety "Suiko" with low production volume. It is easy to drink and has a refreshing scent like pears. In order to make use of the unique aroma of the variety, you can enjoy a strong aroma and tropical gentle flavor by daring to finish it in a short period of time.

・Ginjoshu prepared "Ryu Akane" plum wine Plumity Pink

"Tsuyu Akane" is a new variety of plums that combine sweet peppers, and is characterized by vivid ruby colors from the skin to the flesh, soaked in Ginjoshu. By blending with Minamitakaume, the aroma of Ginjoshu, the flavor of plums, and the sourness of sweet potatoes unique to Rokane are finished in a well-balanced taste.

3. The charm of plums that you can enjoy during your stay and after returning home

We have prepared gifts related to plums so that you can immerse yourself in the aftermath of your trip even after returning to your home. The content will be fun after picking it up on the day.
In addition, when you stay at the hotel, you can enjoy an all-inclusive stay where you can enjoy plum wine served in lounges and restaurants, and a buffet menu using plums. It is a journey where you can fully enjoy "ume" not only during your stay, but also during your stay.

Plan Overview

・Period of accommodation: January 22 (Thu) - January 31 (Sat), February 19 (Thu) - March 7 (Sat), 2026
・Price: From 20,955 yen per person (Superior Twin Ocean View 1 room when 2 people use)
・What is included: Arimoto Farm "Guided Tour"、Plumity 4 kinds of plum wine、Souvenir、2 days 1 night、Dinner buffet、Breakfast buffet、Lounge、Onsen
※For those who do not eat plum wine, we offer 3 kinds of plum syrup.
・Time required (tour): Approximately 2 hours from 10:00 to 12:00
・How to make a reservation: https://grand-mercure-wakayamaminabe-resortandspa.jp/plan/ume-guided-tour/
・Remarks: ・In the event of bad weather, the program may be canceled. (In case of light rain, it will be done.)
If the program is canceled due to the weather, we will give you plum wine from Arimoto Farm.
There will be no cancellation fee if the program is canceled due to weather conditions.
・There is no transfer between the hotel and Arimoto Farm.

About "Arimoto Farm" (Ume Domaine ARIMOTO)

Arimoto Farm (Ume Domaine ARIMOTO), which has been producing plums for three generations in Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, has been engaged in everything from seedling cultivation to soil creation, cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of plum wine. The third generation, Yohei Arimoto, studied at the Fruit Tree Research Institute and succeeded the farm in 2010 after working as an assistant at the local Ume Research Institute. Pursuing the production of plum wine that can only be realized by a plum farmer, we started producing plum wine in 2013. Focusing on the timing and ripeness of harvest, we have developed a small amount of plum wine brand "Plumity" that makes use of the individuality of each variety. We strive to cultivate multiple plum varieties and pursue the optimal method of pickling plum wine from hundreds of tests to create a plum wine experience that can only be enjoyed at Arimoto Farm.
https://plumity.com/

■Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa

Location: 348 Omezu Tomari, Oaza Yamauchi, Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama 645-0012, Japan
TEL： 03-6627-4732 (Reservation Center)
Access: Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Minabe Station, approx. 10 minutes by car from Minabe IC
Official Website: https://grand-mercure-wakayamaminabe-resortandspa.jp/

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