Visiting Japan to Learn Winemaking Craft, Chung Tung-chin: Miaoli to Reference for Promoting Unique Wineries

(Central News Agency reporter Kuan Jui-ping, Miaoli County, 11th) Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin led a county government team to Japan for exchanges, during which they visited the Karuizawa Whisky Distillery to understand its winemaking craft and its tourism-integrated business model. They hope to draw on Japanese experience as an important reference for Miaoli's future promotion of its unique winery industry and tourism development.

The Miaoli County Government and County Council formed a delegation to visit Nagano Prefecture, Japan, from the 7th until today. The county government stated today in a press release that during the 5-day visit, they went to Karuizawa Whisky Co., Ltd. In addition to observing the distillation equipment and aging facilities, they also listened to the distillery's introduction to the reconstruction process of the New Karuizawa Distillery.

Chung Tung-chin pointed out that Karuizawa Whisky was once hailed as one of Japan's legendary whiskies, and in 2015, it set a high price of 300,000 pounds for a single bottle at a British auction, demonstrating its international brand value. Even though the old Karuizawa Distillery ceased production in 2000, its commitment to quality and craftsmanship has been inherited to this day, continuing the legendary flavor of Karuizawa Whisky.

Chung Tung-chin stated that the Karuizawa Distillery not only emphasizes brewing quality but also successfully integrates its brand story, artisan culture, and tourism experience, including planning a barrel owner system and exclusive member benefits, creating a tourism model with deep cultural value and collection significance, which Miaoli can learn from.

Lin Yen-fu, Director of the County Cultural and Tourism Bureau, stated that Miaoli County possesses a high-quality and diverse natural environment, mountain and water resources, and profound Hakka culture. In recent years, it has also actively promoted the upgrading of distinctive agricultural products and tourism industries. If there is an opportunity to promote the development of local wineries or distillation industries in the future, it is hoped that elements such as Miaoli tea, fruits, and slow city tourism can be combined to create a brand with local characteristics and international tourism potential, allowing more international tourists to understand Miaoli through its industries. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150511

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