Through bold innovation, Chinese winemakers are transforming their craft—turning wine from a casual after-work drink into a powerful expression of heritage, terroir, and ingenuity.
This pioneering spirit makes them the ideal stars of Cathay Pacific’s latest Discovery Wine Series, now served on board its aircraft.
“Chinese wine no longer simply follows established traditions from elsewhere,” says Ronald Khoo, Cathay Pacific’s Wine, Spirits and Beverage Manager. “Many producers are confidently developing their own identity.”
Cathay Pacific has previously featured Chinese wines from high-altitude regions and sustainable vineyards. Its new Discovery selection celebrates a new wave of bold innovators. “Creativity in mainland China often comes from the relative youth of its wine regions,” explains Khoo. “Winemakers have the freedom to question convention and explore what works best in their local conditions.”
Ronald Khoo, Wine, Spirits and Beverage Manager of Cathay Pacific
First Class (served on a rotational basis)
Long Dai, Qiu Shan Valley, Shandong, China, 2022
After nearly 15 years of crafting wine in Shandong, Domaine de Long Dai has refined its signature blend of Marselan, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a flagship red with dark fruit, hints of dark chocolate, rosemary, and nutmeg—ending in a beautifully balanced finish.
Business Class (served on a rotational basis)
Hu Yue, Qiu Shan Valley, Shandong, China, 2022
Domaine de Long Dai’s second label puts a twist on the Bordeaux style. Marselan delivers floral and spicy aromas that lift the bright red fruit, all rounded out by warm roasted almonds. Aged in barrels previously used for Chateau Rieussec’s Sauternes, Hu Yue honours French winemaking heritage while embracing its own Chinese character.
Puchang Vineyard Beichun Limited Edition, Turpan Valley, Xinjiang, China, 2019
Innovation drives Puchang Vineyard. The Turpan Valley winery uses Beichun—a hardy hybrid of wild Jilin grapes and Xinjiang muscats—specially developed to withstand the region’s extreme climate. Director Clara Wang notes that the grape thrives in both heat and cold, producing wines with cherry, blackberry, and plum notes, along with floral hints. With age, savoury layers of dried fruit, black tea, menthol, and Mediterranean herbs emerge.
Silver Heights Bloom Sparkling, Ningxia, China, 2023
China is making its mark in sparkling wine. Proprietor Emma Gao tried blending pure Ningxia rice wine with freshly fermented Chardonnay in her quest to develop a rich yet refreshing wine perfect for the region’s hot summers. The secret blend triggered a second fermentation in the bottle, transforming a simple table drink into an elegant sparkling wine.
This new series will be available on board until 30 September 2026.
Beichun at Puchang Vineyard
Silver Heights Bloom Sparkling is a blend of rice wine and Chardonnay.
