Sweet wines in Tonghua on the rise

The World Sweet Wine Culture Expo Center in Tonghua, Jilin province, opened to the public on Sept 19.

According to He Weimin, chief executive of Tonghua Winery -- one of the earliest wine companies in China -- 12 of the world’s mainstream wines are on display in the center along with hundreds of kinds of sweet wine including port, ice wine and sherry.

The World Sweet Wine Culture Expo Center in Tonghua, Jilin province, opened to the public on Sept 19. [Photo by Ding Luyang/China Daily]

"The center's mission is to spread sweet wine culture and knowledge in the future," He said.

Yang Qiang, secretary-general of the Committee on Wine of the China National Food Industry Association, said wine companies in China face challenges as more and more international brands enter the Chinese market. They have to focus on preferences of consumers and produce unique flavors.

Several world’s mainstream wines are on display in the center along with hundreds of kinds of sweet wine including port, ice wine and sherry. [Photo by Ding Luyang/China Daily]

"Wines produced in Tonghua are made of wild grapes growing in the Changbai Mountain area, which is a popular flavor among Chinese people," said Jing Xijun, director of Tonghua's Publicity Department.

Currently, there are 63 wine producers and processors in Tonghua and the total grape planting area has reached 34.4 sq km.

The output value of wine in Tonghua is predicted to reach 10 billion yuan ($1.52 billion) by the end of the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-20).

Currently, there are 63 wine producers and processors in Tonghua. [Photo by Ding Luyang/China Daily]