Located in the Yinchuan region at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, DEVO Winery specializes in the cultivation and vinification of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As China's first domestic winery dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines produced through secondary fermentation in bottle (Méthode Traditionnelle), DEVO produces 20,000 to 30,000 bottles of traditional method sparkling wine annually and does not produce any still wines.
2018 marked DEVO Winery's inaugural vintage. The current portfolio includes various sparkling wines such as MV Blend, Vintage Blanc de Blancs, Vintage Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé. DEVO wines have won numerous prestigious awards domestically and internationally:
• 2024/2025/2026 Bettane & Desseauve China – "Sparkling Wine of the Year" (Consecutive Years)
• 2025 DWWA (Decanter World Wine Awards) – 95 Points & Gold Medal (MV03)
• 2025 AWSA (Asian Wine & Spirits Awards) –Double Gold Medal (MV04)
• 2025 GILBERT & GAILLARD International Challenge – Double Gold Medal (MV04)
DEVO Vineyards sit at 38.4°N and an elevation of 1192 meters — the highest point in the appellation. The region features a continental climate with only 200mm of annual rainfall, necessitating the traditional practice of burying vines for winter protection.
Positioned on the gentle slopes immediately adjacent to the mountain range, the vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate. The mountains act as a shield against cold winds and spring frosts, allowing for a relatively early budburst. The soils are predominantly gravelly sierozem (gray-calcic), which are low in fertility and provide superior drainage. Combined with over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, this distinct terroir ensures optimal grape ripening and health.
The winery encompasses a total planned vineyard area of approximately 21 hectares (53 acres). The estate is currently dedicated primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Starting in 2024, the varietal portfolio was expanded to include Meunier. Through a phased planting program with new vines added annually, the winery is steadily increasing its production capacity.
The harvest takes place annually in early August, with the entire picking completed within 2-3 days. DEVO is among the earliest harvesters in the appellation, benefiting from the relatively early ripening cycle of its sub-appellation. This timing allows the winery to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving natural acidity and vibrant fruit character. Crucially, the early harvest strategically avoids the autumn rainfall that typically begins in the mid-to-late August in the region.
Driven by a profound passion for Champagne and sparkling wines, Zhai Liang— a Yinchuan native born in the 1980s — envisioned establishing a winery in his hometown dedicated exclusively to traditional method sparkling wines.
Combining his deep understanding of premium sparkling wine production with strong support from favorable local policies, he officially registered the estate in 2012. This marked the beginning of his pioneering journey to create China’s first winery devoted entirely to the Méthode Traditionnelle.
Each DEVO wine is adorned with a signature thermochromic label. As the bottle cools or warms, the label’s color transforms seamlessly—offering an elegant, at-a-glance indicator of the ideal serving temperature.
|
|