International voices echo through Yantai's sun-drenched valleys, drawn by the allure of its burgeoning wine culture. From July 2nd to 4th, a diverse cohort of global social media influencers and cultural enthusiasts descended upon Shandong's coastal gem, invited by China Daily, the Yantai Municipal Publicity Department, and the Commerce Bureau. Their mission: to experience firsthand the unique character of this "International Grape and Wine City."
Representing nations like the United States, France, Russia, Italy, and Sri Lanka, these digital storytellers embarked on a journey beyond mere tasting, seeking the essence of Yantai's terroir and its people's passion. This immersive exploration promises to ripple across global platforms, showcasing a region rapidly carving its niche on the world wine map.
Yantai's credentials are formidable: a foundational pillar of China's wine industry, its international stature was cemented in 2022 with its pioneering "Partnership" status in the Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO), followed by the prestigious "Global Wine Tourism Destination" award in 2023.
Vines, Views, and Vinous Character
The heart of the discovery lay in the rolling landscapes of Penglai's Qiushan Valley. At Longting Vineyard, the morning mist mingled with focused breaths as guests followed instructors in the graceful movements of Ba Duan Jin, the ancient Chinese wellness practice. This serene communion with nature amidst the vines set a contemplative tone. Later, senses heightened, the group engaged in a meticulous blind tasting. Glasses swirled, noses dipped, and small sips revealed the nuanced profiles of local vintages. Discussions flowed about structure, aroma complexity, and the distinct expressions drawn from Yantai's unique climate and soil.
Maher el khayat, an Italian sommelier among the group, was profoundly impressed. "The commitment here to preserving the natural landscape is palpable," he noted. "It translates directly into the glass. The wines possess remarkable depth and persistence – a finish that lingers beautifully, placing them among the memorable wines I've encountered." The journey continued to Taoniuling Winery, where innovative viticulture and winemaking philosophies signaled the dynamic energy pulsing through China's contemporary wine scene.
Shared Stories Over Shared Glasses
Beyond the technical appreciation, the visit fostered deep cultural connection. Xiandao Winery epitomized this spirit. The owner warmly recounted personal journeys and winemaking philosophies, creating an intimate atmosphere. International guests and hosts sat together, glasses in hand, exchanging tales of wine traditions from their respective homelands. French blogger Dubrey Zoe captured the sentiment: "There's a genuine thirst for knowledge here," she observed. "
Everyone wants to peel back the layers, to understand every step of the process, from vine to bottle. These conversations, sharing our different wine cultures, are incredibly enriching." This theme of shared experience extended to Longdai Winery, where the curtain was drawn back on the entire winemaking process. Witnessing the meticulous journey from grape cultivation and harvest to fermentation, aging, and bottling demystified the creation of quality wine, fostering a deeper respect for the craft among the international visitors.
Legacy Meets Innovation's Edge
The exploration culminated at the iconic Changyu International Wine City, a living testament to over a century of Chinese winemaking heritage. Stepping into this vast complex was like traversing time. Modern production lines hummed with advanced technology, showcasing the powerful synergy of tradition augmented by cutting-edge science. The Changyu Wine Culture Museum offered another dimension, its extensive collection of artifacts and engaging exhibits narrating the evolution of Chinese wine. A tour through its distinctive cellars provided tangible history, contrasting sharply with the high-tech efficiency seen earlier.
For Italian blogger Melania el khayat, the experience was transformative. "Yantai offers a completely fresh perspective on the wine world," she reflected. "The narrative has long centered on Europe or Australia, but China's wine industry is ascending with undeniable momentum. Witnessing this blend of deep-rooted history and bold innovation makes the future here incredibly exciting." The visit underscored Yantai’s unique position: honoring its rich past while energetically embracing the future.
The concurrent 2025 Wine Tourism Conference in Penglai, gathering global experts, further highlighted the region's ambition to shape the future narrative of wine tourism, solidifying its status as a destination offering both profound heritage and thrilling potential.
