Hello, this is Natalie from Vino Joy News.

Welcome to July! The first week brought two significant policy changes. First, the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement came into effect on July 1, paving the way for the removal of tariffs on Serbian wines within five years. Meanwhile, Beijing has raised the purchasing limit for mainland tourists visiting tax-free Hong Kong and Macau to revive Hong Kong’s sluggish retail scene. However, this increase has raised concerns about heightened smuggling activities at the borders.

Additionally, we have just published an interview with industry legend Don St Pierre, who passionately argued for optimism in wine, at a time when it’s facing onslaught of assaults from all sides. Penfolds China top man also remains hopeful about China’s wine future, convinced that China is on the cusp of a new cycle of seven years of rapid growth. China’s leading wine importer ASC Fine Wines highlighted the importance of on-premise and private clients as it embraces a potential new growth phase.

A key driver for future of wine in China is young consumers. New survey by China’s official drinks body found that 25% university students don’t drink wine at all, chiefly citing wine’s astringent taste as a main reason putting them off. The survey findings provide valuable insights for anyone trying to understand the future generation of China’s wine consumers. Be sure to check it out.

Don’t miss these top headlines and more from China’s dynamic wine market.

Penfolds China GM: Chinese Wine Market Is ‘Atomized’, Not Just Fragmented

Highlighting the extreme fragmentation of Chinese wine market, the General Manager of Penfolds in China, described the local market that as highly “atomized,” indicating extreme fragmentation beyond typical market segmentation.

Survey Finds 25% Chinese University Students Don’t Drink Wine

China to Eliminate Tariffs on Serbian Wine Under FTA

Despite ‘unparalleled challenges,’ this industry legend’s optimism in wine is ‘undiminished’

It’s easy to get gloomy about the state of wine. According to the OIV, global wine consumption has fallen to its lowest level since 1996. Younger generation is losing interest in wine far faster than wine is being produced. Elizabeth Wolkovich’s research, presented at the Harvard Data Science Review’s Vine to Mind Symposium, paints a stark picture: the threat of climate change could potentially eliminate 85% of wine-growing regions worldwide, without varietal diversity.

Yet, despite these daunting challenges, Don St Pierre, a titan in the wine industry who propelled ASC Fine Wines to become the largest wine importer in China, later nurtured the growth of Vinfolio and invested in Vino Joy this year, remains undauntedly optimistic.

China Raises Duty-Free Limit, Sparks Wine Smuggling Concerns

Other Top Stories

Australian Vintage’s Chinese Shareholder Suffers $7M Loss Amid Market Revival Efforts

Australia Rebounds As China’s Second Biggest Wine Exporter

How Wine Brands Can Monetize Through China’s Trendy Xiaohongshu

Stay updated with the latest in China’s wine world with our comprehensive coverage at Vino Joy New