CHINESE WINE REGION
Hexi Corridor
Wine connoisseurs recognize Hexi Corridor
For many, Hexi Corridor invokes thoughts of the remoteness and desolation depicted in famous poems and songs, the weight and vicissitudes of historical masterpieces, or the mysterious and stunning contrast between East and West. Wine connoisseurs recognize Hexi Corridor for a very different reason – the uniquely mellow flavors and fragrant aromas of the wine produced there.
Where Chinese winemaking began
In addition to being a thriving place where Eastern and Western cultures meet, Hexi Corridor is where Chinese winemaking began. Thousands of years ago, the region evolved into a prosperous business hub where businessmen from ancient Rome and Persia would exchange goods. Approximately two thousand years ago, Zhang Qian brought back grape seeds and brewing methods from Central Asia through Hexi Corridor, marking the beginning of winemaking in China.
A long history of winemaking
Hexi Corridor's long history of winemaking stems not only from being the place where grapes were first introduced, but also from its ideal geographical and climate conditions. Located along the golden latitude for grape cultivation with the Qilian Mountains as a natural shield, the dry inland zone relies on meltwater rather than rainfall for irrigation. Rich minerals gently accumulate on the plains, nourished by icy streams from the mountains, offering the perfect cradle for grapes.
One of China's very important grape planting bases
Grapes have grown on this perfect land since Hexi Corridor went into service early in the Han Dynasty. Back then, wines from this region enjoyed a reputation as premium gifts for high officials and noble lords in the capital. In modern times, after 40 years of development since 1983, Hexi Corridor has evolved into one of China's very important grape planting bases and winemaking regions, expanding across three dominant zones: Wuwei, Zhangye and Jiayuguan.
One of China's very important grape planting bases
China's Wine City
Wuwei's wine has famously been immortalized in a Tang Dynasty poem that praised the fine quality of vintages from the area once known as Liangzhou. The region's grapes enjoy plenty of sunshine and large temperature differences between the day and night, imbuing them with a strong aroma and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that allow the raw grapes to be turned into high-quality wine with little additional processing. Recognized as "China's Wine City," Wuwei is also home to one of the country's best Pinot Noir production bases.
Internationally renowned regions on the Silk Road
Backed by the Qilian Mountains and surrounded by the Heishui River, Zhangye is known as "Jiangnan on the frontier." The dominant grape varieties in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Gernischt. The region also made history as the home of China's first true ice wines, which earned international praise and awards in 2008 and 2011. Meanwhile, Jiayuguan boasts the largest underground cellar of individual wines in Asia, a spectacular place to savor the delightful aroma of wine as it ages in wooden barrels and taste different flavors of wines.
Many winemaking companies
In recent years, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, Hexi Corridor has become home to many winemaking companies and witnessed the development of famous wine brands and wineries, including Mogao, Zixuan, Weilong, Qilian, Guofeng, Huangtai, Dunhuang Mogao and Yangguan. Among them, Mogao, Weilong and Zixuan have gained nationwide acclaim for their wines.
Many winemaking companies
