Promotional feature – part of Decanter's China supplement October 2024
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Taking its name from the image of the snow-capped Helan Mountains under a clear sky, Helan Qingxue was the Ningxia winery that made history.
In 2011, its Grand Reserve Jia Bei Lan 2009 won a top award at the Decanter World Wine Awards – an unprecedented achievement for a Chinese wine, drawing domestic and global attention to Ningxia’s quality potential.
This remains the highest award ever achieved by Chinese wines at the DWWA. The win also greatly enhanced confidence in the region's efforts to develop its wine industry.
Behind the success was a local team. Ningxia-born winemaker Zhang Jing began her journey in wine in her late 20s when she left a career as a civil servant to work alongside Rong Jian and Wang Fengyu, two retired civil servants with a passion for wine.Amid arduous efforts in the vineyards to adjust soil pH and trial suitable varieties, the trio established one of Ningxia’s first boutique wineries, complete with an underground cellar – also the first of its kind in the region – in 2005.![]()
Image: ZHANG Jing, co-owner and winemaker of Helan Qingxue, Ningxia
After a winemaking trip to the Rhône, Jing made vintages at Domaine Franco-Chinois in Huailai, Beijing, where she met her mentor, Professor LI Demei – a renowned oenologist in China – who later joined Zhang Jing at Helan Qingxue as a consultant.Celebrating Helan Qingxue’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the team has resisted the temptation to expand and remains focused on cultivating its original 23 hectares of vineyards.The product range, however, has evolved beyond the Bordeaux reds, which the region is known for.‘We stay true to our roots while continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation,’ as Jing put it.![]()
While maintaining the balanced and refined approach of her flagship Jia Bei Lan range over the last two decades, the estate's offerings now include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Babyfeet Malbec, Babyfeet Marselan, a late-harvest Petit Manseng, and even an upcoming traditional-method sparkling wine.The 2009 vintage was not only a milestone for the winery but also the year Jing gave birth to her daughter. The original label of the ‘Babyfeet’ range featured her newborn's footprint.Jing, having travelled extensively throughout the wine world, is now leading the trend in Ningxia towards earlier harvests and less use of new oak. It is an elegant new chapter for this legendary winery.Decanter World Wine Awards-winning wines to try
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Helan Qingxue Vineyard, Jia Bei Lan Reserve, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2019
The 2015 vintage won 2019 DWWA Gold – 95pts
CH’NG Poh Tiong: Ripe, intense blackcurrant, liquorice and star anise flavours cloaked in silky tannins. Layered and complex with abundant freshness from start to finish. Seamless and harmonious.
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alc: 14.5%
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Helan Qingxue Vineyard, Baby Feet Malbec, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2019
DWWA 2023 - Silver
Leathery complexity on the nose, with minty blackberries, baking spices and notes of chocolate. Crunchy texture on the palate, long finish.
Grape: 100% Malbec. Alc: 14.5%
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Helan Qingxue Vineyard, Jia Bei Lan Baby Feet Marselan, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2019
DWWA 2024 - Bronze
Juicy plums with strawberries and ice cream aromas. Velvety tannins, with fresh cranberry flavours.
Grape: 100% Marselan. Alc: 14.5%
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Trade contact: +86 13995116667; nxjiabeilan@sina.com
Stockists: Seeking representation in UK
