DUESSELDORF, Germany -- Chinese wineries have made significant strides in improving quality and market presence. As they continue this upward trajectory, Chinese wines are set to gain broader acceptance among international consumers, according to a German wine industry expert.
"It is of great importance that we have Chinese wineries here at Prowein," said Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Dusseldorf Group, in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the Wine and Spirits Fair in Dusseldorf, known as Prowein, which concluded on Tuesday.
Ten wineries from the Helan Mountain East Foothill region in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region showcased their wines at the prestigious event.
Berlemann, impressed by the quality of Chinese wines, remarked, "The Chinese are truly on par with other major wine-producing nations," crediting the achievements to continuous efforts over the past 15 years.
The Helan Mountain East Foothill region boasts an ideal combination of latitude, altitude, and terroir. The grapes cultivated there are renowned for their "fully developed aromas and balanced sugar-acid levels," resulting in wines that are "full-bodied, harmonious, and well-balanced" with a distinctive Eastern character, according to Liu Xinyu, deputy director of the Administrative Committee of the Ningxia Helan Mountain Eastern Foothills Wine Industry Park.
Today, the region is China's largest contiguous wine grape-growing area, producing up to 140 million bottles annually, accounting for half of the country's total wine production.
Berlemann noted that two decades ago, Western consumers were hesitant to purchase China-made products such as electronics and automobiles. However, due to continuous technological advancements, these products are now widely accepted worldwide. He believes Chinese wines will follow a similar trajectory.
"As a first step, Chinese wines will secure a significant share of the domestic market as consumer recognition grows. With ongoing improvements in quality, more Chinese wines will establish themselves on the international stage," he added.
Prowein 2025, a three-day trade fair regarded as a key indicator for the global wine and spirits industry, featured 4,200 exhibitors from 65 countries and regions.
