Award-winning sweet wine signals China's industry shift

"Chinese culture values balance and harmony," Jiang said. "Wine should reflect nature, not excessive intervention."

He believes Chinese wines should also pair naturally with local cuisine. The Petit Manseng's floral freshness and bright acidity make it especially suitable for spicy dishes, desserts and afternoon tea — combinations he sees as distinctly Chinese expressions of wine culture.

The award quickly drew market attention, with distributors from Singapore, Macao and the Chinese mainland seeking allocations immediately after the ceremony. Yet, challenges remain.

"The biggest problem is cost," Jiang said. "Both land and labor are expensive, and it is difficult for Chinese wineries to compete through mass production."

Riggs noted that overseas consumers remain far more familiar with traditional European wine regions.

"If someone in London or New York looks at a wine from Bordeaux and a wine from China at the same high price, they usually buy the Bordeaux because they know it," he said. "The quality of Chinese wine needs to be super high to match the super high price."

Still, industry figures believe China's younger generation of internationally trained winemakers can gradually build global credibility while developing wines with stronger regional character.