Wine enthusiasts will speak passionately aboutGeorgia, Europe’s least recognized wine regions that match Tuscany, or the hidden Oregon wine region that features uncommon grape varieties and bold, creative mixtures. However, in Asia, China is subtly becoming an unexpected participant in the wine industry, positioning itself as one of the most intriguing wine locations globally. And there’s no reason it shouldn’t be? Covering a diverse array of terroirs and climate zones, the country creates a variety of wines that make China a rising wine destination full of potential for discovery.
Rice wine historically served as the primary beverage for royalty and the upper class during the Shang dynasty, which spanned from 1600 to 1050 B.C. Grape wine production was brought into the country approximately 840 years later, during the Han dynasty — and it did not gain widespread popularity at that time as it does today. Currently, China has 785,000 hectares (more than 1.9 million acres) of vineyards, placing it third among the top 10 nations with the largest vineyard areas globally. In terms of production, China ranks 15th among the world’s leading wine-producing countries (perWorld Population Review), the first Asian nation on the list (or second, if you include Eurasian Russia).
From the isolated and arid landscape of Ningxia to the high-altitude regions of Yunnan, the wines produced in China reflect a respect for tradition and an awareness of the changing preferences of local consumers.Tourists benefiting from China’s visa-exempt policydon’t miss the opportunity to witness the nation’s wine revival — these are the spots to taste and stay during your visit.
Read more: Top Nations That Are Most Welcoming to Tourists, As Reported by Travelers
Ningxia
Located at the foot of the Helan Mountains and nourished by the Yellow River via canals, Ningxia’s 100-mile stretch of vineyards thrives despite the extreme weather conditions the area experiences. Due to their closeness to the Gobi Desert, the vines in Ningxia are carefully buried under soil during the winter months and unearthed again in the spring. This demanding process results in high-quality wines, which have led Ningxia to be called the “Bordeaux of China.” This commitment has not gone unnoticed by global companies such as Pernod Ricard and LVMH, who have made investments in the region.
The winery Helan Qingxue was responsible for placing Ningxia on the global wine map after its Grand Reserve Jia Dei Lan won the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards. The winery celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and its 23-hectare vineyard has produced a range of varieties including pinot noir, chardonnay, malbec, and marselan, among others. The family-owned Silver Heights winery is also worth noting for its limited release cabernet Sauvignon, which competes with Bordeaux grand crus, as well as its eco-friendly biodynamic farming techniques influenced by European winemaking practices. If possible, try Kanaan Winery’s riesling: once considered an “impossible mission,” it is now the winery’s signature offering, known for its strong, refreshing taste.
Stay at local and Western hotels in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia. The downtown area is not very lively, but if you drive 13 miles west, you’ll discover the Xixia Imperial Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes hundreds of imperial tombs spread over a 15-square mile area — a remarkable display of the Tangut people’s architectural, religious, and socio-political legacy.
Yunnan
Yunnan is a recent entrant in the Chinese wine scene. Located next to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, the area lies at the same latitude as Africa’s Sahara Desert, experiencing a tropical and moist climate. Near the Tibetan border, hilly and mountainous areas (reaching up to 8,200 feet) get strong sunlight and cooler nights, enabling vines to grow well in winter without much assistance. Local hybrid varieties of rose honey, French wild, and crystal are cultivated in the region’s mineral-rich soil along with global grape types. Because of Yunnan’s rugged and mountainous landscape, vineyards are relatively small and spread out.
The Ao Yun vineyards, part of the LVMH estate, span 314 plots across four small villages near the renowned Yunnan city of Shangri-La. High elevation, slow maturation, and vines with deep roots have resulted in intricate, distinctive vintages that the estate is recognized for. Visit the Tibetan-Naxi village of Cizhong to taste a special wine made from rose honey grapes, which were brought to the region by French missionaries in the 1800s through communion wine. This grape was later rediscovered by a French winemaker on the property of the village’s Catholic Church. The floral and fragrant blend — distinctly Tibetan yet influenced by France — can be tasted at the local winery, Cizhou. While discovering Yunnan’s wines, take a trip to the beautiful ancient Tibetan town in Shangri-La, or hike up 3,790 meters to see one of the world’s deepest river gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge, from above.
Shandong
The biggest wine-producing area in China, Shandong, features vineyards that flourish in a cool and refreshing coastal climate, plenty of sunlight, and flat land. Although the region experiences monsoons and heavy rain, the vineyards are planted in soil composed of clay and sandy loam, which offers great drainage and the ability to hold moisture.
Wineries can be found on the edges of large cities. In Yantai, Chateau Changyu Tinlot has vineyards that are 30 years old, covering 66.7 hectares (approximately 165 acres). The 2016 syrah that won a gold medal at the 2024 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is one of the estate’s most popular wines. In Qingdao, Chateau Nine Peaks, which was established by Germans, produces reds, whites, and rosés from 10 different grape varieties since their debut in 2009, with their Qi chardonnay 2018 being listed among the top 100 wine discoveries of 2020. At Penglai’s Qiu Shan valley, organize wine tastings to try the spicy, fruity, and fragrant flavor profiles of Domaine de Long Dai.
Rooted in German architecture and known for its beer culture, Qingdao offers a delightful setting for wine tasting. Visit Tai’an’s Dai Temple, a Taoist complex that serves as the entrance to the Tai Shan pilgrimage route. Hundreds of Chinese climbers ascend the 7,200 steps to the peak of this sacred mountain, which is believed to grant those who reach the summit an additional 100 years of life.
Hebei
Although not as productive as other Chinese wine regions, Hebei’s wineries concentrate on quality over quantity. The wine industry holds a special place in the hearts of Huailai county residents. A continental climate with warm and humid summers is well-suited for viticulture in Huailai, although the cold temperatures from Siberian winds necessitate the extra work of burying vine roots in the soil for protection.
Chinese wine lovers should definitely keep an eye on Domaine Franco-Chinoise (DFC), which emerged from almost ten years of Sino-French collaboration focused on wine. The estate’s wines carry notes of licorice, dark fruits, and mint. Those who appreciate the marselan grape owe thanks to DFC, as the vine cuttings were introduced to the Chinese wine industry through the estate’s French connections back in 2001. For dry red wine, look no further than Changli, a region located east of Beijing, known as “the Hometown of Chinese Dry Red Wine” since the first bottle of its kind was produced there in 1983.
Use Beijing as your starting point for exploring regional wine tastings, as there is plenty to do between wine events. The capital offers a wide range of experiences, from impressive landmarks — such as the massive UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China — to charming areas like the Beijing hutongs, which are complex historic alleyways that take visitors back in time.
Xinjiang
Located next to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, Xinjiang (also known as the Uighur Autonomous Region) is a northern Chinese area with a winemaking tradition that dates back over 2,000 years, when Persians shared their expertise in growing grapes and making wine with the local Xinjiang population. The region has a continental climate, allowing grapes to thrive with an average of 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, minimal precipitation, and consistently cool temperatures throughout the year. Alongside traditional French grape varieties — merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and marselan — Xinjiang’s environment also yields a sweet, low-acid grape commonly referred to as the “Chinese white grape.”
Situated in the Yanqi basin, Tiansai Vineyards has converted desolate desert land into expansive vineyards, along with a community where the winery’s local employees live. Their popular wines consist of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and shiraz. Benefiting from being just under an hour’s drive from Korla Airport, Tiansai Vineyards is encouraging wine tourism in the area, providing on-site lodging options as well as various activities such as cooking classes and horseback riding. Tent facilities are planned to launch this year. In the Xinjiang village of Turpan, Puchang Winery proudly calls itself the region’s “first organic vineyard.” Firmly committed to this title, the estate follows organic, handcrafted, and chemical-free methods in its wine production. Some of the estate’s offerings include muscat, saperavi, and cabernet sauvignon.
The challenging terrain and isolated location of Xinjiang are what draw many in. However, exploring this large area demands additional effort from visitors, as travel can involve long journeys that might require border permits, useful Chinese expressions, and a flexible attitude. In exchange, travelers experience a view into the Uyghur people’s hospitality, traditions, and food.
Eager to uncover more secret treasures and professional travel advice?Sign up for our complimentary newsletterfor entry to the globe’s most closely guarded travel insights.
Read the original article on Islands.
