 Changyu Winery is the oldest and most famous winery in China. Established in 1892, the winery imported their vine cuttings from the Bordeaux region of France, to the northeastern province of Shandong, thus creating China’s first European grape varietal vineyard. From the very beginning, Changyu understood the importance of developing a traditional fine wine that would be enjoyed by westerners now living in China. With this in mind, the winery hired European winemakers, who introduced old world winemaking techniques, which produced an array of quality wines that made Changyu famous.
In 1915 at the Panama & Pacific International Fair, which was held in San Francisco, California, Changyu won four gold medals, one for each of their exquisite entries. During the mid 20th century, the Changyu Winery instinctively survived the political and cultural transformations that took place in China. The winery was then taken over by the state and its focus was redirected to the Chinese domestic market.
With the dawn of the new China in the l990’s, Changyu entered into a joint venture with The Castel Group, the largest grower and distributor of wine in France and the second largest beverage distributor in the world. Together they established the seaside Beiyujia Vineyard, which produces their Sino-French premium wines under the Chateau Changyu-Castel label. Their current product includes a premium Chardonnay, Cabernet Gernischt, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Dry Riesling. In 2005, the winery introduced their dry sparkling wine to China’s market.
Today the Chateau Changyu-Castel wines are the most famous in China and are widely advertised throughout the country. Changyu wines are also exported to Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and to the United States.
The Changyu Winery
Changyu is located in the city of Yantai, Shandong Province, China
Established in 1892, they are the oldest winery and vineyard in China.
Changyu’s wine cellars are the oldest in Asia.
The winery imported vine cutting from Bordeaux France in 1892’s.
Today the winery produces extremely well crafted Bordeaux style wine.
In the 1990’s a Sino-French joint venture corporation was established between the Changyu Winery and the Castel Group, which created the Château’s Beiyujia Vineyard.
* The Beiyujia Vineyard bottles their Sino-French premium wines under the Château Changyu-Castel label.
* Château Changyu-Castel is the only Sino-French wine in the United States market.
* The Château is equipped with state of the art, German and Italian designed, production and bottling facilities.
* The winery uses European winemaking techniques and traditions that date back to its adventurous beginnings in 1892.
* Beiyujia’s winery and vineyard grounds touch China’s Yellow Sea.
* The Vineyard is located in a moderate coastal climate, which ideal for growing sweet aromatic grapes.
* The winery and vineyard are located on the same geographic latitude as Napa Valley, California.
Cabernet Gernischt
Cabernet Gernischt is a rare grape varietal that once grew in France during the 19th century. It is now extinct in France and Europe. Today Cabernet Gernischt is only found at the Beiyujia Vineyard, located in Shandong Province, China. This rare varietal continues to flourish and is offered under the label, Château Changyu-Castel. Cabernet Gernischt is the relative of today’s Cabernet Franc. |
