Wine culture popularized

Zhao Yongqing, secretary-general of the autonomous region's Party committee, said the terrior-driven wine industry in Ningxia will ultimately flourish with culture.

"No matter the grape plantation or vineyard management, the wine art or education from France have deeply affected the lifestyle and sense of appreciation of people around the world," he said. "We have a lot to learn."

The local government plans to jointly set up a wine education institute with the Sino-French Culture and Art Research Center to deepen industrial cooperation between the wine trade of both China and France and promote wine cultural exchanges, he noted.

Christine Cayol, vice president of the center, said through an online meeting system that the institute will not only teach know-how on winemaking but also wine knowledge and etiquette.

"We will invite designers and artists to Ningxia," she said, noting that design and innovation can be found in the industry, including in wine bottle labels and wine bottle shapes.

The institute project is expected to be kicked off in 2021, which Cayol hopes it can attract people who are interested in wine trade around the country.