The Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo commenced Monday in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. A highlight of the event is the return of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), often referred to as the “Wine Olympics,” marking its first appearance in China in seven years.
Spanning four days, the expo has drawn more than 1,100 domestic and international participants and features 14 distinct activities. These include a winery and wine exhibition, an innovation competition, and an art biennial, creating a comprehensive platform for wine culture and industry exchange.
Since its debut in China in 2018 in Beijing, the CMB has expanded significantly. This year’s edition brings together nearly 400 international judges evaluating over 7,000 wine samples, with Chinese entries reaching a record high, according to CMB Chairman Baudouin Havaux.
“This event ushers in a new era for the global recognition of the Chinese wine industry,” Havaux stated. He emphasized the significance of hosting the 32nd CMB in Yinchuan, underscoring the rising prominence of Chinese wines, particularly those from Ningxia.
Ningxia’s reputation as a premier wine-producing region is anchored in its distinctive terroir. The area benefits from abundant sunshine and a cool, dry climate, ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes. Over the past four decades, Ningxia has developed into China’s largest wine-producing area, with the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain widely celebrated as a “golden zone” for grape cultivation and premium wine production.
By the end of 2024, Ningxia’s wine grape plantations covered more than 600,000 mu (approximately 40,000 hectares), producing an annual output of 140 million bottles. Its wines are exported to over 40 countries and regions, reflecting the region’s expanding influence on the global wine stage.
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