China Silk - The Modern Wines Of China

Zhang Qian travels bringing grapes to China

It is better to hide ignorance, but it is hard to do this when we relax over wine.

Heraclitus, 540 - 480 B.C.

The history of chinese wines goes back over 6,000 years.

In particular, during the period of domination by the Emperor Han Wu Di, Zhang Qian introduced grapes from Da Wan (the Tashgan area in Mid-Asia) during his expeditions to Xiyu (138 - 119 B.C.). At the same time, he also introduced geologists to start wine making.

Throughout the Silk Road's routes, the grapes were grown.

Zhan Qian

China has been a closed country, allowing little (cultural or technical) information in or out of the country for a long time. This situation improved in 1979 when China opened up to the rest of the world. These wineries all imported advanced vinification equipment, European viniferous vine cuttings, and foreign oenologists to produce the first "western style" grape wines, suitable for both domestic and export markets.

		China started importing grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Syrah, Ruby Cabernet and Grenache.
		Government-owned wineries began bringing in French winemakers to learn the fine art of wine production.
		The first grapes were harvested with an eye on the international wine markets of the world.
		China Silk launches the new era of "The Modern Wines of China".

Li Bai