China winery visit: Changyu Moser XV opens in Ningxia

Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (37)

By Jim Boyce

Changyu Moser XV is the latest “chateau” to open in the Ningxia region in north-central China. From the water fountains to the architecture to the museum to the cellar, this place makes a statement. I already posted this talk with Lenz Moser, who is involved in the project, one of six major operations by Changyu, including in Shandong, Hebei, Liaoning, Xinjiang and, soon, Shaanxi. Here are some photos from the opening…

Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (58)
A band warms up the crowd. I think they were doing a Bruno Mars song at this point. Then ‘Amazing Grace’. They had quite a range of material.
Confetti time...
Staff hand out wine as it rains confetti. Name cards indicate VIP seats. Last-minute attendees like me stand in back and look awkward by taking photos with iPads.
VIPs toast the cameras
The VIPs toast for the cameras — the money shot — as the crowd starts to enter.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (70)
Ceiling art just inside the door…

Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (112)
The main tasting room, complete with sinks / spittoons. Also good if you finish your notes before everyone else and feel like washing your hair.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (78)
This ‘3D’ topographical map of Ningxia is paired with a demo that includes simulated lighting, hail, snow and wind. They left out the sandstorms.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (88)
It’s not quote the holodeck but this AV station does well to tell the story of Changyu.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (81)
The museum includes info on founder Zhang Bishi, old records and wine labels, equipment, models of buildings, and more. A nice place to spend an hour.
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Old Changyu ads in the museum…
The cellar...
The cellar includes a barrel area and large storage area for members. Standard issue for pretty much every winery I have visited in China.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (76)
A cellar tasting room. It looks like participants might get beamed to the mother ship.
The shop...
Visitors can buy bottles in the winery store to take home. The pullups feature quotes from people such as Robert Joseph, Debra Meiberg and Jeannie Cho-Lee.
changyu moser xv launch ningxia china (1)
Changyu Moser XV wine…
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (43)
If they ever run short of water for irrigating the vineyards, I have an idea…
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (48)
Vines planed on winery grounds. A power plant is visible in the distance.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (21)
Some of Changyu’s 80-plus tanks at a nearby operation. I’m told the capacity is 1.3 million bottles but these are so massive I feel like adding another “0”.
Ningxia Changyu Moser XV opening August 2013 (11)
Changyu distributors converge on a nearby company vineyard.
Anotehr angle...
Open for business…

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