When Chilean winemaker Maria Ponce landed in northwest Chinas Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in late 2021, she expected a short six-month stint. But the sun-kissed slopes and dramatic day-night temperature swings at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains quickly rewrote her plans.
"I came to Ningxia to explore new terroirs," says Maria. "The light here is unlike anywhere Ive ever seen. It brings out flavors that feel truly one-of-a-kind."
With abundant sunshine and crisp nights, Ningxia offered Maria the rare chance to create what she calls a "Ningxia expression" of wine. Despite linguistic barriers and logistical hurdles—from sourcing local barrels to mastering regional viticulture techniques—she embraced every challenge as a chance to learn and share her expertise with winemakers around the globe.
Today, amid the lush vineyards at the foot of the Helan Mountains, Marias passion for Ningxia is as rich as her wines. Her small-batch releases are already turning heads at international tastings, blending Chilean traditions with Ningxias unique climate.
Data shows Ningxias wine scene is on the rise: by May 2024, the region boasted 30 well-known wine import and export enterprises, and its wine exports reached 13.75 million yuan (about $1.92 million). For entrepreneurs and wine lovers alike, Ningxia has become a must-watch destination for innovation in the bottle.
As she plots her next harvest, Maria hopes her journey will inspire other young global citizens to explore remote regions, embrace unfamiliar cultures, and craft new storiesin wine and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
