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Biotech Billionaire from China Pours US$40M Cash into California Vineyards

Biotech Billionaire from China Pours US$40M Cash into California Vineyards

Michelin to Launch Its Own Wine Rating/ How China’s Instant Retail Is Crippling Margins/ Baijiu exports up

Natalie Wang
October 21, 2025

Last week, reports surfaced that a mysterious Chinese buyer had snapped up a second California winery in an all-cash deal worth US$16.8 million — following another US$24 million purchase earlier this year. Through company filings, Vino Joy News has uncovered the buyer’s identity: a biotech billionaire with bold ambitions in Napa and Sonoma.

Meanwhile, longtime importer Shanghai Mercuris Wines found itself at the centre of swirling rumours about its closure. The company has denied the speculation, calling it “nonsense.”

Chinese baijiu exports are climbing amid sluggish domestic demand, but much of it seems to be looping back into the mainland through parallel imports. We unpack what this circular trade really means for China’s liquor globalization drive.

Another defining shift is the explosive rise of instant retail. The sales numbers are staggering, yet distributors tell us they’re barely making money. Our latest report reveals how razor-thin margins are testing merchants — and whether wineries can afford to stay out of the race.

In a surprise move, Michelin has announced plans to launch its own wine rating system, claiming it will be “more powerful than Parker’s.” What does this mean for The Wine Advocate, which Michelin fully acquired in 2019?

Also in this issue: coverage of California Wine Institute’s first-ever Asian Buyer Marketplace, Douyin’s surging alcohol sales, and a full Golden Week F&B performance roundup.

For more on the wine industry in China and Asia, be sure to subscribe to our website to read more subscriber-only content.

Biotech Billionaire from China Quietly Building a California Wine Empire

A mysterious buyer from China has spent more than US$40 million acquiring two prized vineyard estates: first a 307-acre property in Sonoma, then Napa Valley’s Calmére Estate Winery for US$16.8 million in cash. Through company records, we have uncovered the identify of the mysterious buyer.

Michelin to Launch Its Own Wine Rating System, Calling It ‘More Powerful’ Than Parker’s

Australia’s organic wine producers will gain easier access to two of Asia’s biggest markets, India and Japan, following new agreements granting mutual recognition of organic certification systems between the countries.

California Wines Expands Reach in Asia With Inaugural Buyers Marketplace

California Wines staged its first-ever Buyers Marketplace: Asia Edition in Seoul last week, marking a major step in its efforts to deepen ties with the region’s growing wine markets.

Has a 32-Year-Old Wine Importer Disappeared? Shanghai Mercuris Denies Closure Rumours

Longtime wine importer Shanghai Mercuris Wines Co., Ltd. has denied rumours that it has shut down, after talk swept through China’s wine trade suggesting the 32-year-old company had run into trouble.

If you are looking for importers in China, reach out to us at [email protected]

The Price of Speed: How China’s Instant Retail Is Crippling Margins

In an era of instant retail, where speed sells and convenience reigns. But behind the glowing growth numbers, many distributors say they’re running faster just to stand still.

Douyin Alcohol GMV Up 38% in H1, Instant Retail Becomes New Growth Engine

According to the platform, Douyin’s alcohol-sector gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 38% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, powered by its expanding instant retail business.

China’s Baijiu Exports Up 4.7%

Behind the steady growth in exports lies a more complex picture of re-imported stock, shifting trade incentives, and the evolving economics of China’s most traditional spirit.

China’s Golden Week Sees Modest Dining Rebound

China’s eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday brought a mild rebound in dining and retail consumption — and with it, some signs of life in wine sales, particularly through on-demand delivery platforms.

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.

Western Australia Fine Wine Showcase - Shanghai (November 10 & 11)