Ningxia

In terms of climate, the Ningxia region in central Western China is comparable to Portugal, Sicily, Southern Spain, or California – the very best conditions for viticulture to flourish. Most of the vineyards are located along the Yellow River, which irrigates the entire region and renders it fertile. The subdistrict of “Helan Mountain” is particularly reputed and has been China’s first official appellation since 2003. The vineyards are located at the perimeter of the Gobi desert. They benefit from up to 3000 hours of sunlight per year, as well dry and hot summers. At an altitude of 1100 m a.s.l., nights are cool though. This allows well-ripened vines to produce exceedingly fresh wines. During winter, winegrowers have to bury the vine stocks so they do not freeze in the extreme cold.