From stone quarry to medals: China forges its own path in wine world, while recognizing excellence of Moldovan production

At the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia Hui, China, in an arid region where the stony soil seems inhospitable, vigorous vines grow and produce high-quality wines. It is astonishing to see vines growing practically in gravel, in such an arid area. The rocky soil ensures perfect drainage, while the large temperature differences between day and night (up to 15°C) give the grapes intense aromas and balanced acidity.

Zhihui Yuanshi – a lesson in sustainability

Zhihui Yuanshi winery, classified as a level-two winery in the local system, is a model of ecological reconversion. The land it occupies was, until recently, an abandoned stone quarry. The owners invested in environmental restoration: they created artificial lakes, planted stabilizing vegetation, and integrated the recovered stones into traditional Chinese architecture. Today, the place is a living ecosystem, combining premium viticulture with eco-tourism.

Jade Vineyard – boutique elegance

Jade Vineyard, founded in 2013 by Emma Ding, a former banking specialist, is one of the most highly regarded boutique wineries in China. Located at over 1,100 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from the protection of the Helan Mountains and from controlled irrigation provided by the Yellow River. The winery mainly produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux-style blends, with a strong focus on quality – around 70–80 thousand bottles a year.

Unlike many other Asian wineries, Jade Vineyard relies exclusively on Chinese specialists. Local oenologists say that the experience accumulated in recent years has allowed China to develop its own viticultural style, adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of Ningxia.

One of the biggest challenges remains winter. Temperatures frequently drop below minus 20–25 degrees Celsius, and every autumn brings a difficult operation: workers manually bury the vine stocks under the soil to protect them from Siberian frosts, then unearth them in spring.

The winery’s minimalist château, built from stone quarried directly from the vineyard, resembles a modern art gallery more than a classic winery. Inside, the abstract works of founder Emma Ding are on display, and on the upper floor there is even a professional concert hall.

Their wines, such as “Messenger” Reserve and “Hyacinth”, have won medals at prestigious international competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Moldovan wine – appreciated in China

The leaders of both wineries emphasized that Chinese specialists are very familiar with Moldovan wine and appreciate it at the highest level for its quality, excellent price–quality ratio, and centuries-old tradition.

“Moldova has a very strong wine culture and quality wines. Specialists in the field know Moldovan wines and appreciate them,” the winery representatives said.

Moldova has a visible presence on the Chinese market. Moldovan wines, especially red wines from international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) and indigenous ones (Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră), are valued for their balance, complexity, and authenticity.

“We pay particular attention to promoting Moldovan wines. Wine is one of the emblematic products of the Republic of Moldova and has considerable potential on the Chinese market. In this regard, we constantly ask the authorities and Chinese partners for support in ensuring the participation of domestic producers in exhibitions, international fairs, and promotional events. Although in recent years wine exports to China have registered a decline, we believe there are real premises for a revival of this sector,” estimated Petru Frunze, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to China, in an interview to the State News Agency MOLDPRES.

Wine consumption culture in China

Although China has traditionally been a country of tea, wine consumption has grown spectacularly in recent years. The Chinese especially prefer red wines – considered more “noble” and associated with social status. Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends dominate preferences, but there is growing interest in white and sparkling wines as well.

Consumption is expanding rapidly in major cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen), where wine is associated with a modern lifestyle, business, and luxury gifts. The young generation and the urban middle class are increasingly discovering European wines, including those from Moldova.

Ningxia demonstrates that with vision, smart investments, and respect for nature, even an arid territory can become a competitive producer on the international wine market. It is a valuable lesson both for China and for Moldova – a traditional producer with huge potential on the rapidly developing Asian market.