Yinchuan- On Oct.12, one of the most important events in the world wine industry, happening in China, attracted global attention. The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) held its 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine in Yinchuan, China.
Director General of the OIV delivered a speech at the Congress (provided by the Organizer)
Under the theme "Shaping new paradigms for the global Vine and Wine sector: transforming to meet challenges, innovating to ignite vitality, and sustaining to anchor a shared future", the Congress brought together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions for the future of the global vine and wine sector.
This congress is also a milestone for the Chinese wine industry. Why? Because this is the first time in OIV’s centennial history that its congress has come to Asia and been held in China. As the most recent country to join the OIV, China has drawn lots of attention by hosting this grand event in the wine industry. Compared with the 46th OIV Congress held in Moldova in 2025, this year's Ningxia Congress achieved substantial leaps across all key indicators. The number of participants reached 800, an increase of 86.1% from 430 at the previous session; the number of participating countries expanded from 32 to 47, a growth of 40.6%; and 423 academic papers were selected from submissions, up 51.6% from 279 at the previous session. At the same time, the overall scale of participation has surpassed that of the 2024 OIV Centenary Celebration.
International attendees (Provided by the Organizer)
Just as Yvette van der Merwe, President of the OIV, highlights the importance of this event, "This Congress marks a particularly meaningful moment for the global vitivinicultural community as we gather in China, a country whose growing engagement within the international vine and wine sector reflects both dynamism and opportunity. Following China's recent accession to the OIV, this Congress symbolises an important strengthening of international collaboration and dialogue across our diverse and interconnected sector."
China possesses the third largest area of planted vineyard globally, and China’s joining in the organization will develop greater collaboration and trade. The OIV now encompasses approximately 85% of planted vineyard surface worldwide. President of the OIV commented on China’s membership: “China brings its expertise, knowledge, scientists, and research to the OIV, and shares with other experts. So we can work collectively on addressing the challenges and turn these challenges into opportunities.”Gualtieri Alessia from the Ministry of Agriculture in Italy said China’s membership in OIV is very important. This country will bring more values like technology and future-oriented insights to the world wine industry.
Foreign visitor learning Chinese wine (provided by the organizer)
According to the introduction,the OIV is an intergovernmental organisation that deals with technical and scientific aspects of viticulture and winemaking. One of its main responsibilities for OIV is to establish and maintain standards for the Vine and Wine industry. For Chinese wine producers, China’s participation in the OIV is an opportunity and a challenge. A Chinese winemaker working in France said that there will be integration and exchanges in terms of technology and markets between China and other OIV member countries, and it also means more competition. But he believed that Chinese wines can be sold everywhere in the world because of their high quality and innovation. He also noted that Chinese wine has won recognition among customers in France due to its good quality at a lower price. A manager from one Chinese wine producer said China’s membership in OIV offers them a good platform where they can learn and communicate with wine producers from other countries and make China’s voice heard. But it also prompts them to align with international industry standards and be dedicated to innovations to meet more needs.