When Chilean winemaker Maria Ponce arrived in 2021 at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains—the heart of the Chinese mainland's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region—she thought she'd stay for only six months. 🌞 But the land’s vibrant energy, intense sunshine, and dramatic day–night temperature swings convinced her otherwise.
Here, Maria discovered the perfect recipe to bottle what she calls her "Ningxia expression"—a new style of wine that captures the bold flavors of high-altitude grapes. The unique climate gives each vintage a fresh twist, and for Maria, every harvest became a chance to experiment and learn.
Amid lush vineyards and winding mountain trails, she’s fallen for Ningxia’s rich soil and the fruits it produces. 🍇 Her journey isn’t just about making wine—it’s about sharing know-how, connecting cultures, and inspiring fellow winemakers around the globe.
By May 2024, Ningxia had cultivated 30 well-known wine import and export enterprises. This year, the region’s wine exports reached 13.75 million yuan (about $1.92 million), a sign that Maria’s favorite corner of the Chinese mainland is gaining serious clout on the world wine map. 🍷🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
