"China Syndrome"

There has been much recent discussion among winery owners about how to 'crack' the China market. Consider that U.S. wine exports eclipsed international sales records in 2011, much of it due to the growing demand for California wines in China and Hong Kong. Let's face it, China is the biggest foreign consumer of American-grown products and California grown products in particular have great cache across the globe! So now China has become a new frontier challenge for wineries in California, with a population of over a billion people they see a long-term opportunity there. Generally, U.S. wine exports are growing at a fast pace and last year they grew by 42 percent. However, high-end French wines are well positioned in the Chinese market with a strong demand, some Bordeaux blends have been known to sell for up to $1,000.00 per bottle on a wine list in Hong Kong. From my conversations with local winemakers I have sense that the California wine industry is making a real effort to try and stand out from these well established French wines. This is where understanding the market place and having a solid marketing plan is so crucial! I have always had a 'mystical' view of the Chinese culture and hope to travel there in the near future to get a glimpse of the region and the people. I think that likewise, many Chinese have a tremendous interest in the western world with it's perceived "luxurious lifestyle". In selling them the wines of California I believe we should tell the story of the wines and their history which is so unique to California, emphasizing those enticing images of pristine beaches and mountain slopes, redwood forests and flourishing vineyards. It is these unique stories which will help to introduce our spectacular California wines into this new and exciting Asian market.
Here are some California wines that I have enjoyed recently.

Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma Coast ($25.00)
I highly recommend this Chard which is lively from start to finish...silky layers of apple, pear and citrus.

Bishop's Peak Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo 2010 (Talley) ($20.00)
This is a great Pinot for the price and is handcrafted by renowned Talley Vineyards...dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum.

Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2010 ($12.00)
As we ease into the spring this is a great sipping wine full of citrus and tropical fruit flavors...aromas of lime and kiwi.

Cheers!