New York is set to receive its largest shipment of Chinese wines to date, marking a significant step in the globalization of China’s wine industry. Spearheading this initiative is Camden Hauge, a New Jersey native and Shanghai-based restaurateur, who has curated a collection of six distinct wineries.
These wines departed China last week and are expected to arrive stateside by the end of the month. Hauge expresses her excitement, emphasizing that this shipment represents one of the first Chinese-only wine portfolios in the U.S. market.
Hauge’s selection showcases wineries she has encountered over the years, including Silver Heights and The Cellar Project from Ningxia, Shofang from Hebei, and Xianghai from Xinjiang. Additionally, the collection features FARMentation and Xiao Pu, both led by innovative winemakers Liao Yuchen and Ian Dai, who produce wines across multiple regions in China.
Hauge’s interest in Chinese wine was sparked in 2017 when she opened her wine bar, Bird, in Shanghai. Her collaboration with Dai allowed her to witness firsthand the rapid evolution and experimentation within China’s winemaking industry.
Showcasing China’s Diverse Terroirs, Redefining Its Wine Identity for Global Audiences
Unlike the typical Bordeaux-style reds that dominate China’s wine industry, this portfolio highlights the diversity of the country’s wine regions. Hauge aims to educate consumers on China’s varied terroirs, from the sun-drenched ripeness of Ningxia to the rich flavors of Xinjiang’s mountainous landscape.
The collection includes unique offerings such as a Muscat Hamburg made from 80-year-old vines, a Croatian Grasevina-inspired wine, and a still Muscat infused with jasmine tea. These selections challenge conventional perceptions of Chinese wine, making them appealing to adventurous drinkers and food enthusiasts alike.
Chinese Wines Arrive in New York, Expanding Global Recognition and Challenging Industry StereotypesHauge sees New York as the perfect entry point for Chinese wines in the U.S., given the city’s diverse and open-minded consumers with strong purchasing power. She plans to distribute her wines through a range of venues, including restaurants, bars, and wine shops that specialize in unique and high-quality selections.
Contrary to common assumptions, she aims to place these wines not just in Chinese or East Asian establishments but in a variety of locations that appreciate innovative wines. To further promote awareness, she will host educational and tasting events, ensuring that Chinese wines become a recognized and respected presence in the U.S. market.
Chinese Wineries Expand Globally, Challenging Stereotypes and Seeking International Recognition
Hauge’s initiative is part of a broader trend of Chinese wineries expanding internationally despite global challenges such as declining wine consumption and economic uncertainties. Chinese wines have gained credibility through numerous international awards and high ratings from influential critics like James Suckling and Robert Parker.
While China’s wine exports remain relatively modest compared to imports, smaller wineries are finding opportunities abroad. For example, Yangyang winery in Ningxia has successfully marketed its wines in Japan, while Silver Heights and other Chinese brands have made their way to markets in Stockholm, Lima, and Tokyo.
Hauge is determined to reshape the perception of Chinese wines, moving beyond stereotypes of mass-produced reds and low-value offerings. She acknowledges that her target audience is niche—curious, open-minded consumers who appreciate storytelling in wine.
With plans for further shipments and eventual expansion to states like California, she envisions a future where Chinese wines earn global recognition, much like the transformative “Judgment of Paris” did for California wines in 1976. If her venture succeeds in New York, it could pave the way for Chinese wines to establish a lasting presence in the international wine scene.
