A Taste of the Unexpected
Christelle Chene, a French native raised among the storied vineyards of Bordeaux, never imagined her palate would find its muse in northwest China. Today, she calls Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region home – a testament to the region’s burgeoning wine industry and its magnetic appeal to global talent.
The Grapevine Beyond Borders
Chene first visited Ningxia in 2019, intrigued by its rapid rise as China’s premier wine-producing area. ‘The desert climate, innovative irrigation systems, and the locals’ passion reminded me of France’s early wine pioneers,’ she says. Despite initial language barriers, Chene collaborated with regional viticulturists to blend French winemaking traditions with Ningxia’s unique terroir.
Cultural Fermentation
Ningxia’s wine exports grew 30% year-over-year in 2023, with Chene’s mentorship programs training over 200 local vintners in sustainable practices. ‘This isn’t just about taste – it’s a dialogue between civilizations,’ she notes, highlighting her monthly fusion wine-tasting events that pair Cabernet Sauvignon with Shanbei lamb skewers.
A New Vintage of Opportunity
As global demand for Asian wines surges, Chene’s story mirrors a broader trend: 42% of expatriates in China’s agricultural tech sector now work in western regions like Ningxia. With solar-powered vineyards and AI-driven harvest tech reshaping the industry, she predicts: ‘The Silk Road of wine is being reimagined here.’
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In pursuit of fine wine, French woman makes Ningxia her home
cgtn.com
