As spring breathes life into the vineyards of China's Ningxia region, farmers at the foothills of the Helan Mountains perform a delicate annual ritual: waking their grapevines from winter dormancy. This unusual practice, rare in global viticulture, involves carefully timed interventions to ensure optimal ripeness for winemaking.
\"We monitor soil temperature like worried parents checking a child's fever,\" says local vintner Li Wei, whose family has cultivated grapes here for generations. \"When roots sense warmth, we bury them deeper to delay budding—buying time against spring frosts.\"
Ningxia's climate presents unique challenges, with dramatic temperature swings between day and night. The region's 400+ wineries have developed innovative techniques to protect their crops while maintaining distinctive terroir characteristics that have earned international acclaim.
This blend of tradition and precision agriculture highlights how ancient practices adapt to modern climate realities. As global demand for specialty wines grows, Ningxia's approach offers insights into sustainable cultivation balancing heritage and innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
