Ajimu Chiisana Wine Koubou
安心院・小さなワイン工房
Small-batch, 100% local grape wines crafted with gentle, traditional methods.
Ajimu Chiisana Wine Koubou ("Ajimu Small Wine Workshop") is a micro-winery in Ajimu-machi, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, operated by the agricultural cooperative Hyakusho Ikki. Founded in 2010 as part of Japan's first 'House Wine Special Zone,' it was created to protect local vineyards from abandonment amid an aging farming population, using grapes unsuited for table consumption. Winemaking is handled solely by Takuya Wada, who employs gentle, low-intervention techniques such as basket pressing and gravity-flow (siphon) extraction to preserve the delicate character of 100% Ajimu-grown grapes. The wines are typically unfiltered, and bottle labels feature original artwork by painter Mikio Ban, with cuvée names inspired by the animals that visit the vineyard. It is an independent producer, distinct from the larger Ajimu Winery (Sanwa Shurui/iichiko) that is also based in the Ajimu area.
hyakusho-ikki.wixsite.com/chiisana-wine-koubou ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Those who appreciate authentic, small-batch Japanese wines and want to support local sustainable agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main characteristic of the wines produced here?
- The wines are made from 100% locally grown grapes using gentle, low-intervention methods like basket pressing and gravity-flow (siphon) extraction to preserve the natural, delicate flavors of the fruit.
- Are the wines filtered?
- The wines are generally unfiltered to maintain their natural character, so you may find natural grape sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
- Can I visit the winery for a tour?
- Yes, the winery accepts visitors for tours and tastings, but reservations are required in advance.
- Is Ajimu Chiisana Wine Koubou the same as Ajimu Winery?
- No. Ajimu Chiisana Wine Koubou is a separate, much smaller producer operated by the Hyakusho Ikki cooperative, distinct from Ajimu Winery (operated by Sanwa Shurui/iichiko), though both are based in the Ajimu area of Usa City, Oita.