Two of China’s most dynamic wine-producing regions have reinforced their international ambitions with a prominent presence at ProWein Düsseldorf, leveraging the global platform to showcase their quality, diversity, and growing export momentum.
Held from 15 to 17 March, ProWein brought together producers, buyers, and industry leaders from around the world. Among the exhibitors were delegations from the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia and the Xinjiang region—two areas that are increasingly central to China’s efforts to establish itself on the global wine stage.
Ningxia’s Rising Profile
Organised by local authorities, the Helan Mountain East Foothill wine region presented a joint pavilion featuring eight wineries, including Ren Yi Yuan Winery, Kanaan Winery, and Helan Qingxue Vineyard. The stand combined visual storytelling with dedicated tasting areas, offering international visitors a deep dive into the region’s terroir, production methods, and wine culture.
Two masterclasses were held under the theme “Good Wine Originates from Unique Terroir,” led by Professor Li Demei, head of the wine engineering department at Beijing University of Agriculture, and WSET Diploma holder Dorian Tang. The sessions highlighted how the region’s geography and climate contribute to wine quality—a central pillar of its development strategy.
Ningxia’s international push is yielding tangible results. According to Yinchuan Customs, the region exported 26,000 litres of wine worth RMB 2.078 million (approximately $290,000) in the first two months of 2026, marking a year-on-year surge of 234.7% in volume and 136.1% in value.
With 606,000 mu (about 40,400 hectares) of wine grape vineyards—nearly 40% of China’s estate vineyard area—and 131 wineries, Ningxia has built a robust industrial base for overseas expansion. Its wines have also earned nearly 1,000 awards at international competitions such as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Decanter World Wine Awards in recent years, further enhancing its global reputation.
Xinjiang’s Debut Showcase
Making its debut at ProWein, the Xinjiang wine region brought a delegation of producers including Tiansai Vineyards, Silk Road Vineyards, Chateau Aroma, and Chateau Tangting. Xinjiang is one of China’s largest grape-growing areas, benefiting from long sunshine hours, dramatic temperature variation, and irrigation from snowmelt originating in the Tianshan mountains.
The region has developed a “4+2” production structure, encompassing four main areas—the Ili River Valley, the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, the Yanqi Basin, and the Turpan-Hami Basin—alongside smaller speciality zones. According to organisers, Xinjiang wines have received more than 2,000 awards in domestic and international competitions, with over 500 won in 2024 alone.
A masterclass led by Professor Li Demei offered an in-depth introduction to Xinjiang’s diverse terroir, exploring how its varied landscapes—from desert to mountain—shape distinctive wine styles.
A Shared Path Forward
The participation of both Ningxia and Xinjiang reflects a broader strategy by China’s wine industry to strengthen its global presence. By uniting around shared platforms such as ProWein, these regions are building international connections, gaining recognition in overseas restaurants and hotels, and laying the groundwork for sustained export growth.

