Wine That Just Keep Flowing
Peculiar practices in the Chinese wine industry.
On a recent trip to see wine growers in California, there was some consternation about the continued plentiful supply of the 1998 vintage in shops across China.
Despite the fact that 1998 was a tough year for winemakers in many parts of the world, there appears to be no shortage of the vintage among Chinese retailers.
So what's the explanation? Good old fashioned superstition, experts reckon.
In China the number 8 is considered lucky and such superstitions cut a lot of mustard among much of the population.
It was no coincidence that the Olympics started on August 8, 2008, or 08-08-08. Similarly people have to pay extra to have the number 8 in their phone number or car license plate.
One of the reasons the number 8 is considered lucky is that it is symmetrical - cut it horizontal or vertical and you're left with two identical parts. In China symmetry equals balance, which is seen as positive.
But the suggestion is that the Chinese are cutting their wine too.
A little of the 1998 vintage in a bottle of wine and suppliers feel free to label it under that vintage. Some winemakers doubt the real 1998 vintage is used at all.
The crop in California has suffered this year but there is reason to suppose news of the shortage might not reach China. Expect the 2008 vintage to have a plentiful showing in shops from Shanghai to Shenzhen for some time to come.
The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul van der Lee as Manager, Economics and Policy.
Prior to joining WFA, Paul was Principal of the strategy consulting business VAN DER LEE & ASSOCIATES established in 2000.
Paul has considerable wine industry experience in commercial, strategy and policy roles, including:
A former Board member of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (1999-2003)
Chief Executive of Mitchelton Winery (1996-2000)
Export Manager of the South Australian Wine Industry Association
Project Manager and Author of Strategy 2025 (1996) and The Marketing Decade (2000)
Manager, Economics and Policy is a key role in WFA. Paul’s extensive experience will provide direction for WFA in the areas of taxation, economic policy and grapegrower policy initiatives.
WFA is also pleased to announce that Robin Shaw has been appointed to the role of Director, Tourism & Member Services.
Robin has been employed at WFA since December 2003 and adds Membership to her other roles which include Winery Tourism and the successful WineSkills program.
Robin’s experience in the wine industry over the last 15 years includes:
Manager, Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Barossa
Manager/Licensee of boutique wineries
Wine & Food Project Officer, South Australian Tourism Commission
The WFA, established in 1990, is the national peak body for the wine industry, representing Australia’s wineries on all national and international issues. WFA operates by voluntary membership with specific representation for small, medium and large producers. Current WFA membership collectively accounts for over 90% of wine production in Australia.