Air Canada Inflight Special: A Taste of Chinese Wines

Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

Throughout November and December 2021, Bottled in China was featured on Air Canada Airlines inflight entertainment systems. As we start the new year, we wanted to share these episodes to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Join us as we explore China’s unique wine regions through the lens of local producers.

In today’s podcast we’ve combined our featured conversation with Christelle Chene of Xige Estate and Martin Shen of Tiansai Vineyards to bring you an in-depth overview of two fascinating wine regions in China.

Our first guest is Christelle Chene, International Affairs Director at Xige Estate. We discuss what makes the Ningxia Province of China a unique wine growing region.

Xige Estate is one of the most exciting new wine projects in China’s Northwest wine region: Ningxia. After many years working as a Brand Ambassador and Sales Director for French wine producers in China, Christelle decided to join Xige Estate.

Recently established in 2019, Xige Estate is a new and modern winery with over 1300 hectares of vineyards. Their vineyard also includes 1000 hectares of vines which are over 20-years-old, which is currently the biggest and oldest site in China. Xige Estate aims to produce fine wines that express Ningxia’s local terroir.

Find out more: www.xige-estate.com

Follow the journey on WeChat: 西鸽酒庄 (ID : Xg-wine)

Connect with Christelle on Linkedin or email at [e-mail]

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In the second part of our episode we are joined by Martin Shen, GM of Tiansai Vineyards. We discuss the techniques and unique technology needed to make wine in a desert.

Located in the northwest of China, Xinjiang province is three times that of France.

With its long sunshine hours, low rainfall and almost desert like conditions, wineries rely heavily on irrigation to produce grapes.

We dive into the wine region of Xinjiang and discuss climate, geography and the key varietals being grown.

Taisai Vineyards is nested in the Gobi desert where they farm organically. It was twice named as China's Best Winery of the Year by RVF.

Learn more: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/01/uncorked-chen-lizhong-of-tiansai-vineyards/

Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world.

Follow us on Instagram @bottled.in.china

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!