In the sunbaked foothills of China’s Helan Mountains, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that spends 120 days a year doing absolutely nothing.
Ningxia, an emerging powerhouse in global winemaking, owes its success to an unusual factor: dormancy. The region’s grapevines enter a mandatory “rest period” each winter, allowing them to conserve energy and develop concentrated flavors. This natural process, combined with mineral-rich soil and dramatic temperature swings, creates wines that have earned international acclaim at competitions from Paris to Tokyo.
Young oenophiles and sustainability advocates are taking note. “Quality wine isn’t made—it’s grown,” says local vintner Ma Li, whose family transitioned from cornfields to cabernet sauvignon vineyards. “Our vines need silence as much as sunshine.”
The results speak volumes. Ningxia now produces 38% of China’s premium wines, with export growth jumping 15% annually since 2020. For digital nomads exploring China’s northwest, vineyard homestays and climate-conscious winemaking workshops are becoming must-try experiences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
