Napa Valley style of growing, making wine coming to China

By MIKE TRELEVEN, Register Business Editor

A group of Napa Valley winegrape producers are taking their expertise to China.

Local winemaking and grape growing experts are joining forces with government officials from Hami City, Xinjiang Province, People's Republic of China -- in a deal they finalized Wednesday afternoon to introduce Napa Valley style of winegrape growing and making techniques to the country.

Three officials from Hami City, a Napa city and county official along with Golden Allied Enterprises and consultants were on hand at the Napa Valley Country Club's boardroom to consummate the deal.

Napa Mayor Jill Techel, Napa County Board of Supervisor Bill Dodd, joined members of the Golden Allied Enterprises' John Bakalian of Santa Cruz, Fred Davis of Napa, along with consultants Jeff Booth and Bob Pepi of Oakville for the ceremonial signing of papers with Chinese officials.

The agreement between Hami City and Golden Allied Enterprises (Group) Inc., calls for a 750-acre vineyard and a 10,000 ton per year winery in northwest China.

The venture is unique because this project involves a partnership that begins from the ground up -- not with Napa Valley investors partnering with an existing Chinese wine operation.

Golden Allied's Davis, who was on hand for the ceremonial event, estimated that it took about five months to get to Wednesday's official signing.

Land for the Chinese venture to introduce Napa Valley's growing techniques and grape varietals will be done on land donated by the Chinese government.

Booth and Pepi, who have a wine consulting business, have been involved in pinpointing the ideal place to grow and make Napa style wines in Hami City.

Booth said that since the announcement several years ago of the French Paradox health advantages, the Chinese government has been very positive about wine's benefits.

Wei Tian Zeh, deputy chancellor of Hami City, was on hand to sit down and sign on the dotted line along side Bakalian.

As they signed the documents, parties from both continents focused their camcorders and digital cameras to preserve the event.

Booth said an agreement between the two countries is a no brainer. China has a burgeoning population of about 1.3 billion people who have a thirst of Western products -- including Napa Valley wines.

"That is a big consumer base. And their government is backing this," Booth added.

Most of grapes grown in the Hami City region are table grapes, but there are a few winegrape vineyards, according to Booth.

"From what I saw when I was there, is that I came away with a positive impression," Booth said.

"What all this is going to lead to I don't know," he added.

Wine consumption in China is on the upswing, but their knowledge of winemaking and growing needs fine-tuning -- which Napa Valley experts are anxious to provide.

"We are looking forward to working with you in Hami City," said Wei, through a an interpreter, who captured the event on a camcorder.

"Hami City and Napa share a lot in common, Wei said. Climate -- warm days and cool nights -- being a major similarities between the two regions.

Wei, speaking at the small gathering, said he was impressed with "the beauty of Napa Valley."

Bakalian said he is confident that high quality Napa style wines can be produced in this northwest region of China.

Wei said he looks forward to his Hami City's collaboration with Golden Allied Enterprises as they explore Napa Valley techniques for growing and making wine in China.

"We are looking forward to seeing you in Hami City. I extend an invitation to all of you," Wei said.

Mayor Techel responded: "Thank you for inviting us. ... Welcome and thank you for the opportunity to with visit you."

County supervisor Bill Dodd said that he was happy to see such a partnership between Hami City and the Napa Valley.

After all the handshaking and photo taken, the afternoon concluded with everyone enjoying Napa Valley wine.

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