In the past few years, China has transformed a barren stretch of land at the gate of the Gobi desert into one of the world’s best winemaking regions
© Matilde Gattoni
The Chinese province of Ningxia has been producing top-quality wines for almost a decade thanks to a combination of perfect weather conditions, good soil and a group of strong-willed, talented owners, managers and winemakers who are leading China’s wine revolution.
Some of them are as young as 26, others have been in the business for decades, partnering with top international brands and breaking the barriers of winemaking by innovating centuries-old techniques. Thanks to their vision and perseverance, what was once an impoverished corner of China is now home to more than 40,000 hectares of vines and 200 wine estates.
Ningxia’s vintages have already won several prestigious international competitions and are served in top restaurants and hotels all over the country. Now they are ready to conquer the rest of the world.
We visited the region to meet with the masterminds behind this miracle.
Story produced together with photographer Matilde Gattoni. Text and pictures available