What are the main orientations of wine production in China?
China is encouraging and supporting the development of the production of high quality wines and is limiting the production of poor quality cereal-based liqueurs with a high alcohol content.

China is taking steps to join the OIV (international vine and wine organization). What benefits do you expect from your membership of the OIV?
According to the latest assessments, the proportion of land in China used for wine making is the fifth highest in the world. However, the volume of wine production represents only 1.3% of world production, yearly consumption and consumption per
inhabitant is not high enough (1% of the average value worldwide) and the export level is even lower.

We hope to participate in the OIV in order to learn, exchange information and
communicate with all grape-producing countries about the scientific, technical and economic issues relating to viticulture, processing, storage, sales and marketing and consumption. Our second objective is to further promote the development of the wine and vine sector in China.

What are the main wine-producing regions in China? What are the main grape varieties used?
The main wine-producing zones in China are in 4 main regions:
* the region around Bahai, which includes the provinces of Shandong, Hebei,
 Liaoning, Tianjin and Beijing  ....
* the region around the ancient Yellow riverbed, which includes the provinces of
 Shanxi (Capital: Taiyuan), Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi (Capital: Xi'an), Henan
 and Anhui,
* the region of Shihezi and of Tulufan in Xinjiang,
*the Mile region in the Yunnan province.
The main grape varieties used are those known in Europe and Asia: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Gernischet, Merlot, Muscat Hambury, Dragon Eye, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Riesling, etc.

Chinese wines are mainly consumed locally. Do you think that European consumers will soon be able to buy Chinese wine in Europe?
European consumers will soon be able to easily buy Chinese wine, available through the usual distribution channels. Currently, the GREAT WALL brand is the most widely distributed internationally and has a good image with consumers. Other Chinese brands are interested in exporting, but are above all concerned about having a product that meets the market's demands in terms of both quality and economic conditions.

Apart from the steps you have taken to join the OIV, what major projects are you planning to implement to ensure the hoped for development of Chinese wines?
There's no shortage of projects, which reflects the dynamism of the Chinese wine-producing sector. The priority measures currently taken by the government, official bodies and producers are:
*defining a single legislative framework compliant with international standards for wine production in China,
*structuring Chinese vineyards according to their specific nature and advantages (soil, climate, grape varieties, etc) to produce wines with a registered designation of origin,
*reinforcing the international exchanging of information,
*supporting the development of national wine production for better local recognition and improved international competitiveness,
*reinforcing scientific research and education,
*improving the capacity to innovate with new grape varieties, technologies and techniques.