The late 19th century marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the Chinese wine industry, largely due to the pioneering work of Zhang Bishi and the establishment of Changyu Pioneer Wine Company. Zhang, having amassed a fortune through ventures in land reclamation, shipping, and mining, became enchanted with grape wine during his time in Southeast Asia. This encounter spurred him to lay the foundation for China's first modern winery in 1892 in Yantai, Shandong Peninsula. This venture not only symbolizes China's entry into the global wine scene but also marks the origin of Changyu, an emblematic brand that has withstood the tides of time.
Revolutionizing Wine Production in China
Changyu Winery emerged as an innovator in the realms of viticulture and oenology during an era of great change in China and the world. Introducing 124 Vitis vinifera varieties from Europe to China, Changyu managed to graft these onto the local Vitis amurensis, ensuring the vines' survival in the native climate. Such groundbreaking ventures extended beyond vine variety; Changyu also became a pioneer by naming many international grape varieties in Chinese terms still used widely today.
Zhang Bishi's strategic acquisitions in equipment from France, Germany, Japan, Austria, and Italy enabled Changyu to host China’s first glass-bottle factory and strengthen its wine production capabilities. This ambitious endeavor bore fruit when Chinese wines, including Changyu’s Chefoo Red Rose, Riesling, and Koya Brandy, won Grand Prizes at the Panama-Pacific World Expo in 1915, marking China’s rightful place on the international stage.
The Cultural and Historical Impact of Changyu
As Changyu grew, it became a symbol of cultural fusion, embodying the synthesis of Eastern and Western wine traditions. The introduction of China’s first dry red wine, Jie Bai Na or Noble Dragon, highlighted this synthesis, offering a blend of local and international tastes that appealed to the Shanghai elites in the 1930s. This wine remains a flagship product of Changyu known for its distinctive character and quality.
Changyu's significance continued through the 20th century as its wines and brandies graced national banquets and international summits, asserting China's cultural identity on the world stage. In particular, the brandies became emblematic diplomatic gifts, reinforcing Changyu’s stature as a national icon.
Modern Expansion and Innovation
The realization of Changyu's vision extends beyond the borders of Shandong. The winery has expanded its operations to Ningxia, Beijing, Liaoning, Xinjiang, and Shaanxi, revitalizing local economies and promoting wine tourism. With consistent market leadership in China, Changyu has established itself as a global player, investing in wineries across France, Spain, Chile, and Australia. Its presence spans over 80 countries, showcasing wines that express regional Chinese terroir through experimentation with native yeasts, Chinese oak barrels, and grape varieties that thrive under China’s diverse climatic conditions.
Changyu’s commitment to innovation is also evident in their Longyu Estate, producing renowned wines in Ningxia, and their pioneering ice wine production in the Golden Icewine Valley of Liaoning. These efforts underscore a drive to put Chinese wines on par with global standards and introduce the world to the unique flavors of the Far East.
Looking to the Future with Changyu
As Changyu celebrates over a century of trailblazing achievements in the wine industry, it looks to the future with the same spirit of innovation and resilience that has characterized its past. To be part of China's evolving wine journey, explore Quincy Asia, where global wine enthusiasts can delve into the history and future of remarkable wine production stories like Changyu's. Join the community at https://www.quincy.asia/register. Discover how centuries-old traditions blend with modern advancements to create wines that tell the unique stories of China's terroir.
