Nestled in the gentle, scenic slopes of the Maoi Hills in Naganuma Town, Hokkaido, Maoi Distillery is a rare and remarkable craft producer—handling wine, whisky, gin, and brandy all under one roof. It’s not just a distillery; it’s a place where craftsmanship, nature, and passion converge.
In this post, I’ll take you through the story behind Maoi Distillery, its dedication to quality and craft, and my personal experience joining their guided tour.
What Is Maoi Distillery?
A Truly Unique Craft House—From Wine to Spirits
Maoi Distillery began its journey in 2006 as a small winery called Maoi Winery—once known as the smallest in Japan. In 2017, the vineyard was expanded to over 13 hectares by Hokkaido Jiyu Wine Co., and in 2022, a distillation facility was added, officially launching the all-new Maoi Distillery.
The name “Maoi” comes from the Ainu word “Mau-o-i”, meaning “place of the rosehip.” During the Hokkaido pioneering era, this was adapted to the kanji characters for “Maoi.”
Using techniques cultivated through years of winemaking, they transformed once-abandoned slopes—first settled by samurai from the Kaga domain—into fertile land for crafting spirits. Today, Maoi Distillery stands as a one-of-a-kind place making wine, whisky, gin, and brandy from scratch, rooted in the bounty of the Maoi Hills.
[Experience Report] Touring the Maoi Distillery
Maoi Distillery offers guided tours where visitors can immerse themselves in the artistry behind each bottle.
- Tour Times: Twice daily on shop-open days (13:30 / 14:30)
- Duration: Approx. 25 minutes
- Booking: Reservation required (by phone/email at least 2 days in advance)
- Cost: Free!
馬追蒸溜所／MAOI株式会社 | MAOI株式会社は北海道長沼町でワイン・ブランデー・ウイスキー製造販売／旧・北海道マオイ自由の丘ワイナリー
During the tour, you’ll get an up-close look at their distillation and winemaking equipment. Despite its small scale, the facilities are impressively professional.
I was especially drawn to the sparkling wine in bottle-fermentation and the hand-labeled bottles—each created with the utmost care.
A Standout Feature: Passionate, Small-Batch Whisky Making
One fascinating detail is their use of a single 1000L still for double and even triple distillation:
- Triple distillation for barley from Nakashibetsu (Hokkaido)
- Double distillation for Scottish malt
Every step is intentional and tailored to the raw materials, reflecting a deep commitment to quality.
Gin Distilling: Small Still, Big Imagination
The compact gin still captures the essence of craft. The process begins with imagining the flavor, then choosing botanicals accordingly. Watching this happen live was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Barrel Room & Optional Experiences
You’ll also get a peek at the barrel-aging area, although most casks rest quietly in the former winery’s wine cave.
Optional Experience: Hand-Fill & Sign Your Own Bottle!
Pull whisky straight from the barrel and fill your own souvenir bottle—with your signature on the label!
- UK Malt / Ex-Bourbon Cask (200ml) – ¥6,600
- Nakashibetsu Malt / Ex-Sherry Cask (200ml) – ¥8,800
An unforgettable, one-of-a-kind memento.
Exclusive Programs for Whisky Lovers
Looking for a deeper connection with the distillery?
- Maoi Distillery Club (VIP Program)
- Receive limited bottles and event invites twice a year
- Cask Owner Program
- Commission your own custom whisky, aged over 3 years
Maoi Distillery’s Lineup: Our Top Picks
【Wine】Authentically Hokkaido, Boldly Distinct
Maoi’s wines capture the essence of Hokkaido’s terroir. Their Yama-budō (wild grape) varieties are especially unique.
Recommended Wines
- MAOI Niagara Amber (White)
- MAOI Yamabudō (Red)
Wine tasting is available onsite—don’t miss it!
【Gin】MYAOI Gin – Pure Hokkaido in a Glass
Locally sourced botanicals meet creative vision in Maoi’s handcrafted gin. The new “MYAOI Gin” brand launched in 2024 is already making waves.
It’s delicately balanced, with natural fruit sweetness and fresh aromas—great even without mixers.
Recommended Gins
- MYAOI Gin Hatsukoi
- MYAOI Gin Momo (Peach)
Coming Soon: “GattoLibero” Liqueurs
In 2025, Maoi will launch a brand-new liqueur series. Stay tuned!
【Whisky】Passion-Packed, Still Aging
Maoi’s whisky is still in the aging phase, but you can taste their new make spirits (new pot)—a sneak peek of what’s to come.
Crafted from both Hokkaido-grown and Scottish barley, each small batch expresses a different personality.
Recommended New Pot Bottles
- Metamorphosis New Pot (UK Malt) 60% 200ml
- Metamorphosis Origin II Single Malt New Pot 55% 200ml
Access
- Location: Kaga Area, Naganuma Town, Yubari District, Hokkaido
- By Car: Approx. 50 minutes from Sapporo
- By Train & Taxi: Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from JR Kitahiroshima Station
Final Thoughts
In the heart of Hokkaido’s nature, Maoi Distillery offers something truly special—wine, gin, and whisky all made with love and care. It’s not just a tasting—it’s a journey into craftsmanship and creativity.
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, don’t miss Maoi Distillery. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or a casual traveler, you’ll leave inspired—and probably carrying a bottle or two.
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