"Digital Compass" decodes the "Yantai Model" of China's wine industry

Xinhua · China (Yantai) Wine Industry Development Index, compiled by China Economic Information Service (CEIS), was officially released during the 2025 GWTO Enotourism Conference held in Yantai, Shandong Province on July 3.

The index, which serves as a data-driven reference for development of Yantai's wine industry, decodes Yantai's experience as a model for other wine-producing regions across China and globally.

According to the index report, Yantai Development Sub-Index rose to 143.31 points in 2024, with annual growth averaging over 7 percent since 2019. All its six sub-indicators related to industrial strength, brand reputation, international influence, etc. demonstrated consistent growth, solidifying Yantai's position as a benchmark for industry development.

The index constructs an evaluation model of "one core, two wings and three pillars", with industrial strength as the core, brand reputation and international influence as the two wings, and regional characteristics, technological innovation and integrated development as the pillars, said Yang Mu, vice president of CEIS.

Yang said that this model elucidates the internal driving forces for the sustained healthy development of Yantai's wine industry. Against the backdrop of structural adjustments in global wine industry, Yantai provides a valuable sample of high-quality development for wine-producing regions at home and abroad.

Robust industrial strength is the core reason for Yantai wine to seize a foothold in the national wine sector, with related industrial strength indicator reporting 3.8 percent average annual growth. Such development momentum stems from its solid industrial foundation, reasonable industrial structure and complete industrial chain.

Currently, Yantai has over 200 wine producers, with gross output of enterprises above the designated size accounting for 41 percent of national total in 2024.

Yantai not only boasts industry-leading enterprises like Changyu and Weilong, but has also seen the emergence of boutique wineries such as Junding, Longdai, Guobin, Longting, and Annuo, which have offered diverse characteristics and become benchmarks for Yantai's wine quality.

Currently, Yantai has evolved from a purely wine-producing region to a hub for the entire industrial chain. The city has established a supporting industrial ecosystem with comprehensive output value at around 50 billion yuan.

From fine manufacturing of oak barrels and bottle caps to technological integration for smart wine-making equipment, Yantai not only produces excellent wine but also supports the production of fine wine across the country.

Furthermore, Yantai has become a founding member of the "International Network of Cities of Vine and Wine" under the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and has been awarded the "International Certificate as a Responsible Enotourism Destination" by Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO). It is strengthening collaboration with world-renowned wine-producing regions in France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Italy.