As part of the 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, judges participated in seminars focusing on China’s two premier wine regions—Ningxia and Xinjiang. The session, led by Xing Wei, China’s newest Master of Wine, highlighted his extensive explorations of these regions, including eight visits to Ningxia and a challenging 15-day tour of Xinjiang.
China’s wine-producing areas predominantly lie in the middle to northern regions, thanks to favorable latitudes, with notable exceptions like the high-altitude Shangri-La in the south. Ningxia, central to China, is the largest wine region, while the northwest Xinjiang is slightly smaller and presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Ningxia is positioned at 37-39 degrees north, with a continental climate that experiences extreme temperature variations—from sweltering summers reaching up to 40°C to harsh winters dipping to -30°C. This climate necessitates protective measures for grapevines to survive winter frost. In contrast, Xinjiang features a more severe climate, which can foster high sugar levels in grapes but complicates flavor development due to its short growing season.
The rainfall in both regions is minimal, necessitating irrigation, especially in northern areas experiencing less than 400 mm of annual precipitation. This lack of water, coupled with the influence of monsoons, can lead to unpredictable weather patterns affecting grape cultivation. Frost, wind, and sunburn pose additional threats, and Xinjiang is particularly vulnerable to hail damage.
Both Ningxia and Xinjiang consist of varied topography, with Ningxia’s grey desert soils rich in gravel and calcium carbonate, while Xinjiang features alluvial plains typically possessing coarse gravel. Grape varieties predominantly include French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Marselan, Merlot, and emerging varieties such as Riesling and Saperavi. Xing Wei identifies Marselan as the regions’ potential signature grape and sees promise in developing sweet wines from late-harvest and ice wine techniques.
Despite the challenges posed by climate and pests, a shift towards organic and biodynamic farming is underway, especially in Ningxia, where winemakers respond proactively to improve vineyard management and wine quality. Xinjiang, on the other hand, remains largely focused on mass production despite the presence of some boutique wineries.
During the seminar, four wines from these regions were presented, each showcasing distinct characteristics from their respective locales:
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Kanaan Winery Riesling 2022, Ningxia: A graceful and linear wine with citrus flavors and grainy structure; complex and beautifully balanced—rated 93/100.
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Silk Road Riesling 2023, Xinjiang: Offers stony, mineral notes paired with lively citrus and yellow plum, though it reflects challenges in fermentation—rated 89/100.
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Silver Heights Vineyard The Summit Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Ningxia: Biodynamic with ripe black fruits, nuanced gravel notes, and exquisite balance—rated 93/100.
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Puchang Vineyard 2019, Xinjiang: An organic red with a blend of black fruit and spice, showcasing sophisticated depth and modern Bordeaux style—rated 95/100.
These insights provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Chinese viticulture, underscoring its potential on the global stage. For more information about the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, visit Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.