Part 2
Industry Status
As China's largest wine-producing region, Ningxia now boasts 602,000 mu (about 40,133 hectares) of grape plantations and 261 wineries and grape-growing enterprises, which together producing 140 million bottles of wine in totaly only in 2023. Companies such as Pernod Ricard and Moet Hennessy, along with some of China's largest producers raising great interests for the region.
Part 3
Climate
Part 4
Soil Type
The land at the base of Helan Mountain is part of the Yellow River floodplain, and the soils have been deposited over time by both the river and from material washed down from the mountains. These pebbly, sandy soils are free-draining and have low fertility, which lessens both vigor and yield in the vine,leading to smaller, more concentrated berries.
The soil at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain is mainly composed of light gray calcareous soil, rich in gravel and minerals, with good drainage and breathability, which is very suitable for the development of grape roots.
Part 5
Light & Temperature
The eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia are rich in solar energy resources, with long sunshine hours and a large diurnal temperature variation. The annual sunshine hours range from 2851 to 3106 hours, with an annual average temperature of ≥ 10°C and an effective accumulated temperature of 1534.9°C, with an effective accumulated temperature of 961.6°C from July to September. The entire growth period of grapes in the production area is between 3400~3800 ℃ · d, providing sufficient heat conditions.
The large temperature difference between day and night at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain is beneficial for grapes to consume less sugar during respiration at night and accumulate more sugar through photosynthesis during the day.
Harvest~
Part 6
Precipitation
The average annual rainfall at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain is relatively low, which helps to control diseases and pest problems in vineyards. The annual precipitation is 193.4 millimeters. During the grape berry ripening period from August to September, there is less rainfall. The rainfall in the month before grape harvest is negatively correlated with the quality of wine, but the region has convenient irrigation conditions.
Part 7
Introduction of producing area
The eastern foothills of Helan Mountain serve as a production area with integrated development across the entire industry chain.Currently, it has established three major systems:a modern wine industry system,a production system, and an operation system.The industry chain is operated as follows: wineries (enterprises) source wine grapes either from their own planting bases or from farmers, which are then processed and transformed into raw and finished wines. These wines are exported to over 40 countries and regions. Wineries (enterprises) in the production area are encouraged to actively explore the integrated development model of wine culture and tourism, promoting winery tours. Within the production area, there are 21 wineries rated at or above 2A level, receiving over 2 million visitors annually. Winery tours have become an indispensable element of Ningxia's comprehensive tourism industry.
Part 8
Location advantage
The eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain in Ningxia are located between 37°43′N and 39°23′N, and 105°45′E and 106°47′E. It is recognized globally as one of the most suitable regions for wine grape cultivation(30°-45°N). The production area boasts unique natural endowments, with the Helan Mountain serving as a barrier to the west and the Yellow River flowing through its east. Located between mountains and rivers, it enjoys a dry climate with little rainfall (annual precipitation less than 200 mm) , abundant sunshine and heat (annual sunshine hours ranging from 2851 to 3106 hours, with an effective accumulated temperature of around 3300℃at or above 10℃) , and a large temperature difference between day and night. The sandy soil is permeable and rich in minerals, and irrigation by the Yellow River is convenient. The wine grapes exhibit characteristics such as "fully developed aroma, good pigment formation, and balanced sugar and acidity". The wine possesses typical Chinese style and oriental qualities, including "full-bodied wine, rich aroma, moderate sugar and acidity, and sweet and balanced taste". It is known as "the best ecological zone for wine grape cultivation in China" and "the place in the world that can produce the best wine". It has been rated as a "star production area" for world wine by the International Organization of Vine and Wine(OIV).
At the same time, The eastern foothills of Helan Mountain are located in the arid climate zone of central China, belonging to a typical continental climate. It is rich in solar energy resources, with long sunshine hours and a large temperature difference between day and night. This allows for the full accumulation of sugar in grapes, and also results in a relatively high content of phenolic compounds in grapes. It has superior conditions for the development of grape cultivation, providing an excellent natural foundation for the development of the wine industry.
Part 9
Product Features
The wines from the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain primarily consist of two categories: white wines and red wines. White wines are nearly colorless, with a rich and pure aroma, and a smooth and harmonious taste. Red wines are deep red in color, with a mellow taste, a strong structural feel, and a balanced harmony.
Wine from the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain is produced using high-quality grapes grown locally. Leveraging unique natural resources, a long-standing winemaking tradition, modern management methods, and advanced brewing technology, the wines from the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain have garnered high praise and have become one of the renowned wine-producing regions in China, both domestically and internationally, known for its excellent wine grapes and wines.
葡萄酒学院新闻中心
图文来源：葡萄酒学院
图文编辑：葡萄生态学（全英文）小组
审 核：王雪飞 葛 青
