Ningxia Hosts First Asian World Congress of Vine and Wine

The International Organization of Vine and Wine opened the 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 24th General Assembly on October 12, 2026, in Yinchuan, China. This marks the first time the century-old congress has been hosted in Asia since its inception in 1924. The five-day event brought together over 800 participants, including delegates from 51 member states and diplomatic envoys from 25 countries, to address climate change, geopolitical uncertainties, and shifting consumption patterns.

The congress coincides with the 6th China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, featuring 230 international and domestic wineries. A central component of the gathering is the Helan Mountain Initiative, which promotes eco-friendly cultivation and sustainable production. Ningxia has emerged as China's premier wine-producing region, with the Helan Mountain area accounting for approximately 40 to 42 percent of the country's total wine grape cultivation.

OIV President Yvette van der Merwe called for deeper cooperation with Chinese experts to exchange knowledge on winemaking and climate adaptation. Director-general John Barker emphasized a multilateral approach to industry transformation. The event highlights China's growing role in the global sector after officially joining the OIV as its 51st member in 2025.