Winemaking Introducing Luna, Miao, Ding, and Gigi Trailblazers of the Australia-China Winemaking Collaboration
Following the official launch of the program at our Shanghai office last week, four distinguished Chinese wine professionals—Xue (Luna) Churan, Miao Chengpeng, Ding Weikang, and Gao (Gigi) Yujie—are set to embark on a four-week immersive experience in Australia. This initiative will allow them to explore Australian viticultural practices, winemaking operations, sustainability projects, and various academic and industry activities. In addition to their professional development, they will have the opportunity to visit some of South Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations.
Meet the Participants
The selection process for this prestigious exchange program was rigorous, with candidates evaluated based on their technical expertise, theoretical knowledge, career experience, and professional interests. The four chosen participants each bring unique backgrounds and aspirations:
- Xue (Luna) Churan (35), Winemaker and R&D Manager at China Great Wall Wine Company in Hebei, is eager to explore advanced Australian winemaking technology, winery management, and vineyard operations. She is particularly excited about engaging with The University of Adelaide’s renowned oenology faculty.
- Miao Chengpeng (41), a Winemaker at Château Rongzi in Shaanxi, is looking forward to deepening his understanding of different winemaking regions, particularly the contrast between Chinese and Australian wine cultures and the influence of terroir on production.
- Ding Weikang (24), a Master’s student at Northwest A&F University in Shaanxi, is eager to study Australia’s advanced production technologies and market models. He is excited about the opportunity to immerse himself in a top-tier academic environment, engage in face-to-face knowledge exchange, and explore diverse wine cultures through visits to leading wineries.
- Gao (Gigi) Yujie (35), a Winemaker at September Helan in Ningxia, is interested in gaining insights into advanced international production concepts and techniques. She has long aspired to study in Adelaide and is thrilled at the prospect of immersing herself in local vineyards, tasting regional wines, and learning from leading industry experts.
Strengthening Australia-China Winemaking Ties
This program serves as a bridge between the Chinese and Australian wine industries, reinforcing the recently strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. By participating in this initiative, Luna, Miao, Ding, and Gigi will gain firsthand experience in Australia’s wine industry, explore innovative production methods, and engage directly with top-tier production and cellar door teams.
During their stay, they will be actively involved in vintage operations across some of South Australia’s most renowned wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Penfolds Magill Estate.
Key Program Highlights
As part of their immersive experience, the participants will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary academic frameworks for viticulture and oenology through the University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.
- Attend a showcase hosted by the South Australian Wine Industry Association, which will provide a historical perspective on the local wine industry and highlight the diversity of regional wine styles that position South Australia as one of the world’s premier wine-producing regions.
- Engage with leading experts at the Australian Wine Research Institute to learn about cutting-edge research, innovation, and sustainability priorities in winemaking.
- Explore advancements in agricultural technology, sustainability, and wine exports with Wine Australia.
- Discover the rich history of Penfolds’ most iconic wines at Magill Estate, delving into the heritage and craftsmanship behind some of Australia’s most celebrated vintages.
Collaboration Across Borders
This initiative has been spearheaded by Australian and Chinese wine industry associations—Australian Grape & Wine and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association—alongside government, industry, and academic partners from both countries. The South Australian Government’s ‘Wine Exporters China Re-Engagement Support Program,’ administered through PIRSA (the Department of State Development and Primary Industries and Regions South Australia), has played a key role in supporting the program. Additionally, the Wines & Spirits division of COFCO, a major Chinese agricultural and food company, has lent its support to this initiative.
Treasury Wine Estates is a key co-organizer of the inaugural program. The initiative also features curated wine and regional tourism experiences that highlight Adelaide’s esteemed status as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals. As part of this prestigious network, which includes renowned regions such as Bordeaux, France, and Napa Valley, California, Adelaide continues to play a crucial role in global winemaking excellence.
Historical Significance and Industry Commitment
Speaking at the Shanghai launch event, Penfolds Managing Director Tom King reflected on the long-standing relationship between Treasury Wine Estates and China’s wine industry.
“At Treasury Wine Estates, we’re proud of our history with China’s wine industry, which dates back to 1893 when the first bottle of Penfolds was exported from South Australia to Shanghai. This program cements our commitment to the long-term success of both the Australian and Chinese wine industries. We have much to learn from each other, and we’re delighted to contribute to knowledge exchange and cross-cultural collaboration.”
This initiative is more than just an educational exchange—it is a testament to the commitment of both nations to fostering mutual growth, innovation, and excellence in winemaking. By facilitating this knowledge-sharing platform, the program strengthens industry ties and creates new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Chinese wine professionals.
Looking Ahead: The Next Phase in China
The second stage of this inaugural program is set to take place in China in 2025. During this phase, four Australian wine industry professionals will visit China to engage with academic institutions and industry leaders during the Chinese vintage period. This reciprocal exchange will further cement the relationship between the two countries, allowing Australian experts to gain insights into China’s rapidly evolving wine industry, unique terroirs, and emerging production techniques.
As the global wine industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this play a crucial role in fostering international collaboration, advancing sustainable winemaking practices, and driving innovation. By sharing expertise and learning from one another, Australia and China are paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous future in viticulture and oenology.
Through this pioneering program, Luna, Miao, Ding, and Gigi are not just participants—they are ambassadors for cross-border knowledge exchange, champions of innovation, and trailblazers shaping the future of winemaking on a global scale.
