French winemakers bring Bordeaux taste to NW China

YINCHUAN -- Nestled in the vicinity of the majestic Yellow River, a winery welcomes visitors with a captivating ambiance reminiscent of a charming Bordeaux chateau.

In the grand hall, dining tables are overflowing with red wine, wine glasses and delectable treats like aromatic fromage and patisseries, taking visitors on an immersive journey to the heart of French winemaking.

Nicolas Billot-Grima, a 57-year-old Bordelais, was sitting behind a desk introducing a new collection of red wine, aptly named "Family," to the visitors.

He passionately describes the winery's logo, which features the Yellow River and the Helan Mountains, iconic scenic spots in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. "We named the winery 'Moon and Stone,' hoping that our wines will one day make their way to the moon with Chinese astronauts," Billot-Grima explained with a smile.

The sixth-generation Bordeaux wine heir has spent the past six years crafting an authentic French-style winery on the Loess Plateau.

Abundant sunshine and an arid climate of the region create an optimal environment for grape plantation, with minimal interference from pests and diseases. The diverse and fertile soil further enhances the suitability for cultivating various grape varieties, the French winemaker told Xinhua.

Ningxia's geographical conditions have proven ideal for vine cultivation, gaining recognition from the International Organization of Vine and Wine as a prime grape-growing region.

Northern Ningxia's Qingtongxia city, where the winery is situated, also boasts a rich historical heritage, including a 2,000-year-old irrigation culture and the breathtaking Yellow River gorge. The entire region, including the city, has recently undertaken ambitious initiatives to transform itself into a prominent wine-producing hub, with the aim of stimulating economic growth and revitalizing rural areas.

The Moon and Stone Winery has become a symbol of cultural exchange between France and China through its dedication to grape cultivation and winemaking.

An increasing number of French winemakers and wine tasters have established a base in Ningxia, eager to create wines that will captivate the global market.

Their efforts have already garnered numerous accolades in international wine competitions, solidifying Ningxia's position as a promising winemaking hub in the industry.

Ningxia has gained the attention of Chinese private investors who are eager to showcase Sino-French wine products to the world. With its scenic beauty, favorable grape plantation conditions, and dedicated winemakers, Ningxia is poised to establish itself as a prominent player in the global wine market.

Aladin Laaroussi, a French wine taster and the manager of the winery, exudes confidence in the region's potential.

"Please try our latest rose wine, which is so beautiful and unique in taste. We are exploring new horizons in grape cultivation and winemaking," he said. "Our team has found a new promising land in Ningxia. I think in the next five years, the wine industry will have great development here."