“A Taste of Xinjiang: From Vineyards to Vistas — A Toast to Your Journey” Event Report

Date: November 8, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Venue: The Cellar, Hall 3E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Organizers: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Bureau;
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Xinjiang
Co-organizer: Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits (HKGCWS)
Guest Speaker: Natalie Mitchell (renowned television host)
Guest of Honour: Founding President So Yau Ping

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1. Event Overview

“A Taste of Xinjiang: From Vineyards to Vistas — A Toast to Your Journey” was held on the second morning of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair. Although the session took place early in the day, attendees continued to arrive steadily and in an orderly manner. Originally planned for 4 p.m., the event was later rescheduled to 10 a.m., and officially began at 10:15 a.m. As the sharing deepened, the audience continued to grow, and by around 10:45 a.m., all seats were filled, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

This was the first time Natalie Mitchell shared her August journey through Xinjiang with a Hong Kong audience. With her dual perspectives as both a host and traveller, she guided attendees through a visually and sensorially rich experience, effectively introducing Xinjiang’s winery tourism appeal. The event successfully attracted a wide range of travel enthusiasts and wine lovers.

2. Highlights of the Sharing Session

This session skillfully blended travel experiences with wine culture. Through her own filmed footage and vivid storytelling, Natalie showcased Xinjiang’s diverse natural landscapes and cultural richness. From magnificent lakes, luxury glamping sites, and reservoirs to vast deserts and vibrant vineyards, she led the audience into the heart of this “Pearl of the Silk Road.”

Natalie shared her visits across Xinjiang, including:

Northern Xinjiang

Visits to four wineries — Yaochi Xiye, Datang West Region Winery, Changyu Chateau, and Xianghai Winery — along with nearby attractions such as Heaven’s Lake (Tianshan Tianchi), the Grand Bazaar, Baili Danxia Luxury Camp, reservoirs, and the dazzling culinary scene of Urumqi.

Southern Xinjiang

Visits to Xiangdu Winery and Zhongfei Winery, with stops at iconic sites such as the Taklamakan Desert, Luobu People’s Village, and Bosten Lake.

Guest of Honour, President So Yau Ping, further explained how Xinjiang’s high altitude, dramatic diurnal temperature differences, and unique terroir contribute to producing high-quality grapes. Through warm and engaging anecdotes, she shared memorable interactions with winemakers and behind-the-scenes stories from filming travel programmes, allowing the audience to experience Xinjiang’s thriving wine culture and tourism development through a first-hand lens.

A tasting session was included, featuring 2–3 red and white wines from Xinjiang. While enjoying the visual journey, attendees were also able to experience the region’s terroir directly through taste, naturally merging travel discovery with wine appreciation.

3. Audience Response and Participation

Even though the event took place early in the fair day, it succeeded in drawing a steady flow of attendees. Beginning at 10:15 a.m., more visitors were drawn in by Natalie’s presence and storytelling, and the room reached full capacity by 10:45 a.m., elevating the overall atmosphere.

Participants widely agreed that the content was inspiring and engaging. The session broadened their understanding of Xinjiang’s vineyards and terroir conditions, while also deepening their appreciation for the region’s natural and cultural landscapes. Many expressed that the event renewed their interest in Xinjiang as a travel destination and as an emerging wine region, sparking a desire to visit in person. The wine-tasting component further strengthened their perception of Xinjiang’s terroir, with attendees giving positive comments on the quality of the wines.

(Although foot traffic is generally lower at 10 a.m., based on historical data the exhibition typically sees a significant increase in visitor numbers after 1 p.m.)

4. Conclusion

“A Taste of Xinjiang: From Vineyards to Vistas — A Toast to Your Journey” successfully combined travel narratives with wine culture. Through imagery, storytelling, and tasting, the event offered attendees a multidimensional and immersive experience of Xinjiang within just one hour. The session concluded in a lively, fully attended setting, generating positive momentum for promoting Xinjiang’s tourism and wine brand image.

5. Photos