Li at work in the field...

By Jim Boyce

Wine maker Li Demei has been chosen by London-based market research firm Wine Intelligence as one of ten people in the business “who have personally achieved great things in the past decade, and in doing so have changed the industry for the better.”

Li, who works at Beijing University of Agriculture, received the award in Hong Kong yesterday as part of Vinexpo 2012. Also getting awards last night: Etienne Hugel of Hugel & Fils and George Fistonich of Villa Maria Estate.

Perhaps best-known internationally for his role at winery Helan Qing Xue and its Jia Bei Lan wine in Ningxia, Li was also involved at the Sino-French Demonstration Vineyard, is currently working on several projects in China’s northwest region of Xinjiang, and has consulted on operations throughout the country. This is in addition to being a wine lecturer, speaker, writer, judge, contest organizer and industry association executive, as well as a frequent visitor to wine regions around the world.

Finally, Li has been a contributor to this blog since its earliest days. I have enjoyed tasting wines and going on several winery visits with him, but more important is that he hasn’t discouraged criticism, even of his own wines and projects, but stressed a focus on being fair and accurate.

See here for Wine Intelligence’s story on last night’s ceremony and here for a list of the 30 candidates and the judges.

... and in a more formal setting in Beijing.

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