Merritt Estate Winery goes to China

FORESTVILLE - For the second time in less than a decade, one of Merritt Estate's wines will be featured in the international market.

Just three years ago, Merritt's Bella Ice, a sweet red wine with intense Concord grape flavor, made its debut in the Chinese wine market. In March the winery's Late Harvest Delaware, a sweet, pungent and grapey white wine with vanilla characteristics, will become the second international seller for the local establishment as it makes its first appearance in China.

The ice wine and dessert wine markets in China have grown at a rapid pace over the last few years. A large amount of wines offered overseas are imported from other markets. In China, limitations in both water and land supplies make importing wine a necessity. The Chinese public also holds a very high standard for their food and beverage products. The quality of wines produced and the cleanliness of the environment they are produced in are both important factors in the eyes of the consumer.

New York State wines have become a trusted product in the Chinese marketplace. The sweet and fruity red wines that the region has become known for producing fit well with the taste that Chinese consumers are looking for. The difference in price points of New York wines is also a strong selling point when it comes to overseas interactions. A large price range allows for the sale of wines that have the potential to be mass produced, while still leaving a competitive market open for wines that can sell at higher dollar amounts.

Merritt Estate was recently approached by Simon Wu of Glacier Treasures, a wine expert wholesaler and agent to China, with interest of exporting and promoting the Late Harvest Delaware. "Dessert wine is rare in China, and the unique looking design of the bottle stands out as a nice visual," said Wu. "About one-third of consumers in China are looking to drink the wine they purchase. The other two-thirds are looking to give the wine as a gift, so the visual impression is important." Wu will be promoting Merritt's Late Harvest Delaware at upcoming trade shows throughout China.

The Food Ingredients China trade show will take place this year in Shanghai which boasts over 800 exhibitors. The show is attended by chefs, restaurant and hotel owners, retail chain owners and retailers, importers and exporters. The event will provide a promotional platform for the popular dessert style wine.

Late Harvest Delaware will also be featured at the Wine China trade show, held this year in Beijing. The trade show invites wine producers, distributors, retailers, experts, lovers, journalists and consumers to share their own personal expertise with one another in an effort to promote the many facets of the wine culture.

Merritt Estate is located in Lake Erie Wine Country, the largest grape growing region of New York State located along the shores of Lake Erie. The grapes and wines produced by Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.