Observer Members
Who are they?
Observer Members are cities that share the values of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network and aspire to reach its standards of excellence in wine production, wine tourism, and sustainability.
Over time, Observer Members are supported in progressing toward meeting the full membership criteria and joining the Great Wine Capitals Global Network as full members.
Yantai
China
Yantai, located in eastern China, is renowned for its pleasant climate and natural beauty. As the birthplace of China’s modern wine industry, Yantai is also the only International Vine and Wine City in Asia. In 2024, Yantai welcomed over 98 million visitors.
Yantai is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city. Penglai Pavilion is listed among the “Four Great Towers of China,” and the legend of the “Eight Immortals ” originated here. The ancient Maritime Silk Road set sail from Dengzhou Port, while the 6,500-year-old Bai Shi and Bei Zhuang sites bear witness to the origins of marine civilization in the Jiaodong region.
Yantai boasts a robust industrial base and a thriving economy. As one of China’s first coastal cities to open to the world, it has established trade relations with over 200 countries and regions.
More than 100 Fortune Global 500 companies have invested here, and the World Bank has named Yantai a “Gold Medal City” for its investment environment. In 2024, Yantai’s regional GDP exceeded one trillion yuan.
The Wine
Aromatic richness, smooth balance, elegance
In 1892, Changyu Company was established in Yantai, marking the beginning of China’s wine industry. In 1987, Yantai was honored as the only “International Vine and Wine City” in Asia and became China’s first observer of OIV.
Today, Yantai has built a comprehensive wine industry chain, with 204 wine producers, 63 renowned wineries, and over 250 supporting enterprises. Yantai’s wine industry boasts a brand value of RMB 86.23 billion and produces over 40% of China’s total wine output.
Situated at 37°N latitude with a vast coastline, Yantai is China’s only premium wine region where winter burial (of vines) is unnecessary. With an average annual temperature of 13°C, precipitation of 525mm, 2,600-hours of sunshine, and a frost-free period of 216 days, Yantai’s wines are known for their aromatic richness, smooth balance, elegance.
Defined by history & terroir, Yantai is home to distinguished wineries：
Changyu International Wine City：A comprehensive tourism destination home to Château Castel, Koya Brandy Winery, and Tinlot Winery.
Domaine de Long Dai: The only winery in Asia owned by the Rothschild family’s Lafite Group, representing a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
Runaway Cow Winery: A modern boutique winery offering Michelin-star dining and premium leisure experiences.
State Guest Winery：A winery featuring classic Tang Dynasty-style architecture.
Long Ting Winery：Designed in Mediterranean style with serene ocean views.
Beyond the Vine
Tourism
Yantai’s wine tourism industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, attracting more than 3 million visitors annually and generating RMB 100 million in revenue.
The region is easy to explore: just 30 minutes from the airport to the vineyards, and within a one-hour flight from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul. Flights to Hong Kong and Macao take only about 3 hours.
Visitors can dive into a range of wine-focused experiences:
Vineyard Activities: Try your hand at grape harvesting, pruning, or blending your own wine. Tour wineries and cellars, and enjoy tastings straight from the barrel.
Culture & History: Explore China’s first wine museum located at the historic site of Changyu Company, stroll the wine-themed Chaoyang Street—the China’s only wine-themed cultural district, and visit a unique cellar repurposed from air-raid shelter now serves as a dynamic venue for public wine culture exchange.
Food & Pairings: Taste Shandong cuisine—one of China’s great culinary traditions—paired perfectly with seafood and local wines.
Beyond the Vine: Join in vineyard cycling, horse riding, open-air concerts, art exhibitions, or movie nights under the stars. Yantai continues to expand its range of wine themed offerings.
Where coastal charm meets a deep-rooted wine culture, Yantai invites you to savor a journey of pure flavor and relaxation.
PHOTO CREDITS:
- Image: Publicity Department of the CPC Yantai Municipal Committee
- The Wine: Longting Winery
- Tourism: Runaway Cow Winery