While traditional wine-producing nations like France, Italy, and Spain often dominate conversations about wine, China’s burgeoning wine industry is making significant strides, capturing attention and accolades in the global wine arena.
Spanning vast territories, China boasts diverse landscapes conducive to grape cultivation and winemaking. With regions like Xinjiang, three times the size of France, leading the charge in grape production, China’s viticultural potential is impossible to ignore.
Presently, China hosts a burgeoning wine scene, with 12 major wine regions including Shandong, Beijing, and Ningxia, housing over 200 wineries. The evolution of China’s wine industry recently garnered recognition at the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, hosted by Macau-based hotel group Wynn on April 13.
Attended by an esteemed gathering of 500 international wine enthusiasts, winemakers, industry experts, and media, the awards ceremony celebrated the pinnacle of Chinese winemaking prowess.
A rigorous judging process overseen by a panel of 27 international wine experts, including seven masters of wine and three master sommeliers, involved blind tastings of over 700 submissions from nearly 200 wineries. The event underscored the exponential growth and maturation of the Chinese wine sector.
Gus Zhu, a master of wine and participant in the judging panel, emphasized the remarkable transformation of the Chinese wine landscape over the past decade. “Chinese wines are still a tiny industry in the food and beverage universe, but if you just look at it now compared to 10 years ago, it’s a completely different story,” Zhu remarked, expressing optimism about the industry’s trajectory.
One notable example of China’s strategic pivot towards winemaking is Ningxia, where the provincial government’s proactive measures have propelled the region to the forefront of Chinese viticulture. By harnessing technology and expertise, Ningxia has established itself as a powerhouse in wine production, earning accolades for its quality and innovation.
Just Wong, executive beverage director of Chef Tam’s Seasons at Wynn Palace in Macau, lauded Ningxia’s pioneering efforts and technological advancements in winemaking. Wong’s admiration for Ningxia’s capabilities underscores the region’s emergence as a formidable player in the global wine market.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist, particularly concerning climatic constraints and scaling production. Zhu highlighted the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity, advocating for a nuanced approach to expansion within the industry.
The awards ceremony crowned standout performers, including Fei Tswei Marselan Reserve 2021, recognized as China’s best wine, and Xige Estate N28 Chardonnay 2021, acclaimed as the best white wine and best value wine. Additionally, Domaine Franco-Chinois Petit Manseng 2018 secured multiple titles, including best sweet wine and best of North China.
In celebration of these achievements, Wynn will showcase the award-winning wines during the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Month in May, providing guests with a unique opportunity to savor the finest offerings of Chinese winemaking.
Looking ahead, Wong advocates for greater accessibility and recognition of Chinese wines on the global stage, envisioning a future where Chinese cuisine is complemented by domestically produced wines. With initiatives like the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, the spotlight on Chinese wines is set to shine brighter, paving the way for increased recognition and appreciation worldwide.
