4/3/2013 - A delegation from 26 wineries will be promoting Napa Valley - America's leading wine region - during a 10 day trade mission to mainland China April 12-21.
The Napa Valley Vintners trade association (NVV) has been traveling to China to promote the region's wines for more than 15 years, but this is the group's first visit to the market since being granted Geographic Indication (GI) status by the Chinese government late last year. In addition to wine tasting events, educational seminars and winemaker dinners, the itinerary also includes a private event in Beijing to celebrate Napa Valley's GI status and the region's prominence in the world of wine.
"We are proud to be the first non-Chinese wine region to achieve GI status in mainland China, a milestone in this very important market," said NVV executive director Linda Reiff, who will be with the group in Beijing. "Napa Valley is a unique and special place for producing quality wine and as a result our region's name has been misrepresented in many parts of the world. We look forward to continuing our efforts with the Chinese government to find other ways to protect the Napa Valley name and prevent confusion for the growing number of wine lovers in China who are learning about our region."
Although well-known around the world for producing premium wines, Napa Valley makes up just four percent of California's annual wine grape harvest. Nearly 80% of all NVV member wineries make less than 10,000 cases of wine per year and 95% of the region's wineries are family-owned. Napa Valley grape growers and winemakers work intentionally throughout the growing season to limit the grape crop yield to just half of the California statewide average to ensure the highest level of quality for the region's wines.
A recent survey by Wine Intelligence of London found that wine consumers and members of the wine trade in China are more familiar with Napa Valley than any other New World region, and consider the wines to be equal in quality to the prestigious region of Burgundy in France.
The 26 wineries traveling with the NVV delegation include Napa Valley brands that have been available in China for several years, like Beringer Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Robert Mondavi Winery and Schramsberg Vineyards, along with newcomers like Heitz Wine Cellars, HALL, Silver Oak Cellars and Yao Family Wines. The group will host wine education events in Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an during the 10-day trip.
About the Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents more than 450 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com
Contact: Patsy McGaughy, Communications Director 707.968.4207 pmcgaughy@napavintners.com
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