Despite a flailing economy and lackluster demand in the domestic wine market, China’s top producers have maintained their unwavering commitment to producing world-class wines, and it shows in this Top 100 Wines of China list. While statistics show that the country’s wine consumption, production and imports have all declined in consecutive years from 2017 to 2022, the quality of Chinese wines, we believe, has been steadily improving.
In the wake of China's wine market shakeup, a significant reshuffling of wineries is on the horizon. While the outlook for sales appears gloomy, we remain optimistic, viewing this transformation as a much-needed recalibration – more of a long-term blessing rather than a curse. The aftermath of this upheaval might lead to a more streamlined wine industry with fewer opportunistic investors who prioritize quick profits over quality.
This list, derived from a comprehensive tasting of more than 470 Chinese wines, serves as a testament to our recognition of the leading producers in the country, who have gradually established their reputations through their commitment to quality. But we are also witnessing the emergence of passionate young winemakers and newcomers who are eager to create exceptional wines and carve out their own identities in the market.