Yantai, China becomes first Great Wine Capitals observer member
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network has announced the admission of Yantai, China as its first observer member, strengthening its representation in Asia.
Great Wine Capitals (GWC) is a group created to recognise and promote the leading winery tourism regions around the world.
The organisation currently has 11 official members, and has now named port city Yantai in eastern China’s Shandong province as its first observer member.
Over time, the GWC network supports observer members toward meeting the full membership criteria and joining as full members, the organisation said.
GWC praised Yantai for its “demonstrated potential, commitment to sustainable wine tourism, and strong alignment with the values of the GWC community”.
“Yantai has demonstrated not only the technical capabilities and touristic appeal necessary to thrive in global wine tourism, but also a clear vision for inclusive and responsible growth,” said Catherine Leparmentier, GWC secretary general.
Leparmentier led a visit to the region in July to assess its potential as a prospective member city. The delegation visited leading estates such as Mystic Island Winery, Long Dai, Runaway Cow Winery, and Longting Vineyard, and engaged with representatives from the Yantai Wine Bureau and the Yantai Institute of Technology and Science.
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Yantai, a port city located along the Yellow Sea in China’s Shandong Province, is also home to China’s oldest and largest wine producer, Changyu Pioneer Wine Company.
As an Observer Member, Yantai will now participate in selected GWC events and have access to knowledge-sharing platforms. The agreement also allows Yantai to use the GWC logo (with Observer Member label) in approved communications and events.
Leparmentier said: “Their Observer Member status is an important step in deepening international dialogue and collaboration.”
Yantai’s new status will be formally celebrated during the GWC AGM in Bordeaux, where representatives from the Chinese city will attend the official signing ceremony.
The list of Great Wine Capitals includes:
Adelaide, South Australia
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Mendoza, Argentina
Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley, Chile
Bilbao, Rioja, Spain
Lausanne, Switzerland
Porto, Portugal
Verona, Italy
Bordeaux, France
Mainz, Rheinhessen, Germany
San Francisco for Napa Valley, US
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