Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Winning Winery: The Brand and History of Domaine Franco‑Chinois
Domaine Franco-Chinois is named for both China and France. Together with Canaan Winery, its sister winery, it pays testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the art of Chinese winemaking. Its establishment traces back to 1997, when China and France met officially to formally open a new chapter of cooperation in viticulture and winemaking.
The estate is located in Huailai, Hebei Province, just outside Beijing, and sources pure French grape seedlings. With rigorous standards and unwavering commitment, it crafts wines of outstanding quality that express the unique terroir and varietal character of the region.
Location & Environment
Located in Huailai in Hebei Province at 40°N latitude, just one hour's drive from Beijing, the estate benefits from a temperate, semi-arid, continental monsoon climate featuring distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and an average annual rainfall of approximately 393 mm. The combination of excellent sunlight exposure, pronounced diurnal temperature swings, and moderate precipitation promotes balanced sugar and phenolic accumulation in the grapes while retaining their vibrant natural acidity, and the region's varied soil profiles impart an elegance and layered complexity to the fruit.
Main Grape Varieties
In 2001, Domaine Franco-Chinois introduced 16 grape varieties and grafted 21 types of vines from France. The selection included classic Bordeaux red varieties, and marked the estates as the first in China to import and plant Marselan and Petit Manseng on a significant scale. After more than 20 years of meticulous cultivation in Huailai, the estate has refined its portfolio through continuous practical experience, and now maintains six well-adapted varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the two signature grapes Marselan and Petit Manseng.
Experts of the Vineyard
Winemaker
Desheng Zhao
With over 20 years of winemaking experience in the Huailai region of Hebei, Desheng possesses deep knowledge of the local terroir and varietal adaptation. His technical mastery produces exceptional wines that have earned widespread acclaim, including multiple honors as China's Winemaker of the Year from leading professional organizations.
