On November 11, 2010, the Enterprise Survey sponsored by the School of Government successfully concluded. Under the leadership of Liu Jie, Secretary of the Party Committee of the SOG, 35 2023 international students went to Zhangjiakou Huailai Canaan Winery to conduct in-depth enterprise research and cultural exchanges.

The journey started in the main salon, where the commentator gave a brief introduction of the winery and its location. The winery is strategically located in Hebei province. This is because in 2006, a group of international specialists were assembled in order to find a potentially suitable vine planting region. Analysis of soil samples and meteorological data were part of the research. At the end of 2 long years of investigation, they concluded that Hebei province had the ideal soil.

The commentator, Ms. Helen, explained that the production of wine is a long process. A labelled wine takes around two years to be ready and sold in the market. In addition to requiring the best harvested grapes, making first class wine also requires high quality equipment.

Additionally, the temperature has a fundamental role in the taste of the wine. Grapes are harvest at night to maintain the freshness of the fruit. If the harvesting takes place in the morning, the transportation from the fields to the factory can alter the grape’s temperature, so a stabilization process is followed. This uses more resources and equipment. Most of the work is automated, but to guarantee the best state of the grapes, some tasks still need to be done by humans. Even though it takes longer, the quality of the wine is greater this way.

Professor. Zhan Jichen, from College of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering, China Agricultural University, was kind enough to give the students a brief explanation of the history of wine, the different classification of wines and a guide on how to enjoy a fine wine. This session ended with some taste tests of the winery’s best products.

This trip helped students understand the complex process of wine production, as well as knowledge about the wine market in China. The experience was enriching and fulfilling. The success of the activity makes students look forward to future activities.