Founded in 1875, German winery Weingut Robert Weil has made its first leap into the Chinese market with the unveiling of its new Riesling, Saphir. Fifth-generation family member Robert Weil, made an inaugural visit to China this month for the unveiling.

And for good reason, too.  According to the German Wine Institute, German wines have experienced increasing demand from global markets this year. From April 2023 to March 2024, exports of German wines totalled 1.17 million hectolitres, an amount valued at €392m. There has been an increase in value of 4.1% compared to the same period in the previous year despite no change in volume.

In particular, exports to China grew significantly, increasing 47% in value and 39% in volume in the first quarter of this year.

ASC Fine Wines (the exclusive importer and distributor for Mainland China and Hong Kong) and the german winery will also officially launch the drink later in autumn to support the celebration of the National Day holiday in China.

Since joining Suntory Group in 1988, the estate has expanded from 18 to 90 hectares, producing Rieslings with varying levels of sweetness, from sparkling and dry to noble and sweet variations, and has released 33 consecutive vintages of Trockenbeerenauslese.

Lok Bing Hong A budding journalist that loves experiencing new things and telling people's stories. I have 30 seconds of coherence a day. I do not decide when they come. They are not consecutive.