China Wine Press | Beijing-based Niche Retailers

A few months ago, I wrote an article for Wine Business International–get more info about the publication here and subscribe here–that covered a handful of wine retailers in Beijing.

I realize some people will read the article and say, “But what about [name of distributor]?” or “How come you didn’t include [name of distributor]?” Chalk it up to the realities of time (we had to go to press before I could find that rumored organic Tannan supplier from Uruguay) and space (there are probably more sales channels in this city that words in my article).

Time and space, my friends, they always get you in the end.

Anyway, the article covers seven operations with roots in Beijing, including Wine Republic (cool climate), Pasion (Spain), Pinotage (South Africa), CruItaly (Italy), La Cava de Laoma (Chile) and CHEERS (primarily entry-level consumers). I also included Torres, since it strikes me as being niche due its uncanny ability to read and adapt to the market, whether getting in early with quality Chinese wines (Grace and Silver Heights), hiring and retaining good staff, expanding its retail presence or, recently, pairing with a major local player.

Again, we do see a growing number of niche players, ones focused on everything from Moldovan to Napa to Spanish brands, from sparkling to cult to organic / biodynamic brands. Consider the seven in this article as some examples of what is out there. And expect profiles of more distributors on this site soon.

(Get the full pdf of the article at this link. Also, Seine should be Seina and DS is now known as Le Sommelier International. Time and space!)

WBI Wine Business International Beijing Distributors 2015 1 small WBI Wine Business International Beijing Distributors 2015 2 small


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