Chinese vineyard aims for global recognition

One of Longting's standout offerings is its Petit Manseng, or Xiao Mang Sen — a white wine that quickly drew praise from international judges for its bright acidity, elegant structure, and aromatic complexity. "When we saw that wine being appreciated by top professionals, it gave us real confidence," she said. "We felt that what we were doing in Yantai had meaning beyond China."

The London Wine Fair provided more than just a platform to pour samples. It became a space for meaningful exchange. Partnering with Master of Wine Michael Palij, Song led a professional tasting session that included importers, sommeliers, and critics. "We wanted to convey a serious and authentic image of Chinese wine," she said. "Having someone like Michael involved brought credibility and helped bridge the gap between cultures."

Palij, a veteran in the wine trade and an early advocate for emerging wine regions, was impressed. "Half of me is thrilled by the ambition and energy I see from winemakers like Song," he said. "It reminds me of industries that are young and still exploring what's possible. That spirit of experimentation is essential — and very promising."

However, Song acknowledged the road to international recognition is not without obstacles. "There is still a perception gap," she said. "Many buyers are surprised to learn that China produces fine wine at all, let alone wine that can compete globally. We're still working to shift those assumptions."