Still feels weird to be inside a crowded room. Today I joined the Beijing stop of ASC Fine Wine's China tour.

Nice to check out part of the ASC portfolio, including Louis Jadot, Norton, Robert Mondavi, Robert Weil, Muga, Cono Sur and Casa Silva -- I went back for a second pour of their Pinot Noir.

Just ten weeks ago, restaurants and bars in Beijing were not able to accept patrons, events were being canceled left, right and center, travel was risky, and we had to do regular COVID testing / scan QR codes to get into venues. It feels like 10 months, not 10 weeks...

#wine #winetasting #winebusiness #winelife #beijingwine #grapewallofchina

First post. With harvest finished, the vineyards are readied so the vines can be buried to protect them from the cold dry winters.

Photo taken at Lion Fort Winery in Beijing's Fangshan District, which has also created hybrid grapes that require no burial -- the big issue will be selling the story and taste to consumers.

Our tour was led by the 86-year-young chief wine consultant Zou Fu and included a look at the winery, cellar and laboratory, plus a tasting that evolved into a dinner gathering.

#wine #china #chinesewine #beijing #beijingwine #fangshan #grapewallofchina