Beijing recently played host to a captivating forum that shone a spotlight on the diverse flavors of South Australian wine. Bringing together wine industry experts, the event provided a platform to delve into the dynamic landscape of Chinese wine preferences and market trends observed over the past three years.
Su Huaici, General Manager of the China market for Accolade Wines, shared valuable insights into the evolving consumer base, highlighting a noticeable shift toward luxury-grade wines among mid-to-high-end restaurants. Su emphasized the growing popularity of Burgundy and lighter-tasting wines in these establishments, along with the fierce competition for entry-level wines in membership-based retail stores.
Yang Siqi, Overseas Procurement Director of JD.COM’s liquor business division, shed light on the post-pandemic trend of increased consumer demand for diversity in online wine offerings. With consumers displaying a growing appetite for exploration, the market is witnessing a shift towards a more varied and inclusive selection of wines.
Discussions at the forum also focused on the promising future of South Australian wine in the Chinese market. Chen Yalin, General Manager of Drinks Art Studio, highlighted the strong affinity of consumers in most second-tier cities in China for South Australian wines. In contrast, consumers in first-tier cities tend to prefer products with higher acidity and lower alcohol content.
Chen further elaborated on the harmonious pairing of rich, full-bodied South Australian wines with heavier Chinese dishes, drawing examples from Shandong and Shanghai cuisines. With sweeter, softer tannin classic red wines from South Australia, such as Barossa Shiraz, proving to be compatible with these dishes, Chen emphasized the delightful culinary experiences these combinations offer.
The forum concluded with a delightful cocktail reception and wine tasting session, allowing attendees to savor and explore a diverse array of South Australian varietals. This hands-on experience further enriched their understanding and appreciation of the exceptional wines produced in the region.
