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ASC's Homecoming

ASC's Homecoming

BIVB Warns of €100 Million Loss Over Trump Tariff/Prowine Tokyo/VSPT debuts Prelusion for China

Natalie Wang
April 08, 2025

As the wine world reels from Trump’s latest tariff salvo, European producers are breathing a cautious sigh of relief—for now. A 20% tariff on EU wines is far less devastating than the originally threatened 200%, but the outlook remains uncertain. The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) warns the new measure could still cost the region up to €100 million in export losses.

While trade tensions unsettle Europe, China’s wine industry is undergoing a seismic shift of its own. In one of the biggest shakeups in years, ASC Fine Wines—the country’s most established importer—has been reacquired by the St. Pierre family. What does this mean for the future of ASC, and for China’s wine market at large? Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Don St. Pierre Jr., where he reveals his bold vision for the company’s next chapter.

Elsewhere in Asia, new opportunities are emerging. Japan is gearing up to host ProWine Tokyo from April 15–17, reinforcing its importance as a rising player in the region’s premium wine market. Meanwhile, Thailand is proving it’s not just an emerging market—wine imports there surged nearly 13% in 2024, defying the global slowdown.

In China, wine brands are adapting in different ways. Chile’s VSPT Wine Group is betting on premiumisation with the launch of its 97-point icon wine Prelusion. Kuaishou, a short-video platform with 180 million daily users, could be China’s untapped goldmine for wine—but is the industry paying attention? Meanwhile, restaurants, once a cornerstone of wine culture, are losing their grip as BYOB trends and regulation reshape how Chinese consumers drink.

To help you navigate these changing dynamics, we’ve just released our most comprehensive resource yet: China’s Top 100 Wine Importers—a 237-page report detailing the key players and regional market trends shaping the future of wine in China.

Stay on top of Asia’s fast-moving wine industry with our exclusive stories, and don’t forget to subscribe for premium insights and content.

Breaking News: Don St Pierre Jr. Buys Back ASC From Suntory

In a dramatic return, Don St. Pierre Jr. and Monica Xu St. Pierre, the husband-and-wife team, have reached a deal to reacquire 100% ownership of ASC Fine Wines, the company announced today, marking a major turning point for one of China’s oldest and most influential wine importers.

He Helped Build China’s Wine Industry. Now He’s Back to Reinvent It.

In this exclusive and deeply personal interview with Vino Joy News, Don St. Pierre Jr opens up about what motivated his family to buy back ASC Fine Wines, his vision for its future, and why he believes China is uniquely positioned to address many of the challenges facing wine industry.

BIVB Warns of €100 Million Loss Despite ‘Measured Relief’ Over Trump Tariff

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) warned the new tariff could cost the region’s producers up to €100 million in lost export revenue, dealing a serious setback in what has long been their largest overseas market.

Thailand Defies Global Downturn With Nearly 13% Jump in Wine Imports

Thailand’s wine imports surged nearly 13% in 2024, defying a global slump and signaling the rise of one of Southeast Asia’s most promising emerging wine markets.

180 Million Drinkers on Kuaishou: Is Wine Missing the Party?

In China’s short-video ecosystem, platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu dominate among yonger consumers in first- and second-tier cities. But Kuaishou, a platform with deep roots in lower-tier cities and rural areas, has quietly built a massive user base of its own.

Why Selling Wine in Chinese Restaurants Is So Hard?

Are restaurants losing its relevance for wine sales due to strong BYOB culture and regulation. Hear what Xiaopi, Vinehoo founder and Ian Ford had to say.

San Pedro 1865 Unveils 97-Point Icon Wine “Prelusion” in China

While Chilean wine exports to China have been on a steady decline for two consecutive years, one of the country’s biggest wine groups, VSPT Wine Group, is defying the odds with a bold bet on premiumisation.

Japan’s Biggest International Wine & Spirits Fair Returns: What to Expect at ProWine Tokyo 2025?

Organised by Messe Düsseldorf Japan Co., Ltd., the event is expected to draw more than 190 exhibitors from 21 countries, reinforcing its position as a critical business platform for wine and spirits professionals across Asia.

China’s Top 100 Importers

The 237-page report offers an in-depth analysis of regional dynamics and market opportunities across North China, Northeast China, East China, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest China. It identifies the top 100 wine importers currently operating in mainland China. This regional breakdown provides a clear picture of where market influence is concentrated—and how each part of the country is shaping the growth and transformation of wine consumption in China.