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…
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.
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.
The VIPs toast for the cameras — the money shot — as the crowd starts to enter.
Ceiling art just inside the door…
The main tasting room, complete with sinks / spittoons. Also good if you finish your notes before everyone else and feel like washing your hair.
This ‘3D’ topographical map of Ningxia is paired with a demo that includes simulated lighting, hail, snow and wind. They left out the sandstorms.
It’s not quote the holodeck but this AV station does well to tell the story of Changyu.
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.
Old Changyu ads in the museum…
The cellar includes a barrel area and large storage area for members. Standard issue for pretty much every winery I have visited in China.
A cellar tasting room. It looks like participants might get beamed to the mother ship.
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 wine…
If they ever run short of water for irrigating the vineyards, I have an idea…
Vines planed on winery grounds. A power plant is visible in the distance.
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”.
Changyu distributors converge on a nearby company vineyard.
Open for business…
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