China - History

Question 1

Who imported first vines into China?
What was the outcome

Answer 1

In 19th Century, Zhang Bishi, imported 150 V Vinifera into Changyu winery in Shandong Province

Question 2

When did modern era China start wine production

Answer 2

in 1980s when PRC opened up to international developments

Question 3

Which French companies helped with this?

Answer 3

Remy Martin - Sino-French winery called Dynasty
Pernod Ricard JV with Chinese brand Drawn Seal
LVMH Chandon sparkling wine in Ningxia Province

Question 4

what helped the wine industry in the 1990s?

Answer 4

Wine industry encouraged by Chinese Government to replace cereal-based drinks with fruit-based drinks, partly health campaign, and to address shortage of grain.

Question 5

What do some grapes provide?

Answer 5

historically grape production is for table grapes, both fresh and dried, higher return as fruit is given as premium gift

Question 6

What happened more recently?

Answer 6

President Xi Jingping’s ‘anti-extravagance’ measures, can no longer rely on gifting wines to government officials, so now need to focus on consumers.