Explainer | Can Chinese wine become mainstream after support from Hong Kong’s CY Leung?
- The Post speaks to industry players to find out more about Chinese wines and their potential for market success
05:04
Despite growing domestic and international acclaim, China wine industry still needs time to mature
Chinese wines are once again in the spotlight after Hong Kong’s former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the products to be made mandatory for all National Day celebrations on October 1.
Leung, now a vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said the quality of Chinese wine had improved and was also reasonably priced, arguing it was “inexcusable and unjustifiable” to not drink domestic alcohol on National Day.
Some applauded the suggestion, while others remain sceptical about the prospect of Chinese wines in the local and international markets.
The Post speaks to experts and industry players to find out more about Chinese wines and how far they have come.
1. What are Chinese wines?
China started systematic and large-scale wine grape cultivation about four decades ago following investment from French companies.
Since then, the country has become home to about a dozen wine regions, including Shandong, Xinjiang and Ningxia, with a total of over 200 wineries.
