Discover Authentic Yellow Rice Wine

--- The Legacy of Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine ---

• A Historical Journey Through Time:

Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine, known as 'Huangjiu' in Chinese, traces its origins back to the Spring and Autumn Period over 2,500 years ago. According to legend, King Goujian of Yue State rewarded his soldiers with wine brewed from local glutinous rice and water—marking the beginning of a cultural tradition that would endure for centuries. The city of Shaoxing, once called 'Gu Yue,' became synonymous with fine wine production, thanks to its unique natural environment: soft Jianhu water, high-quality Jianhu glutinous rice, and a microbial ecosystem perfected through generations. By the late Qing Dynasty, iconic brands like Shen Yong He (founded in 1664) and Nv Er Hong (Daughter Red) emerged, each carrying deep familial and ritual significance—especially the custom of brewing wine when a daughter was born, to be opened at her wedding. This tradition lives on today, with Nv Er Hong still celebrated as a symbol of joy and continuity. In modern times, China Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine Group Co., Ltd., through its flagship brand Gu Yue Long Shan, has preserved these ancient roots while scaling innovation. As the Chairman Unit of the Yellow Rice Wine Branch of China Alcoholic Drinks Industry Association and one of the 520 national key enterprises, it stands as a living testament to China’s liquid heritage. A real-world example of this legacy in action is the 2023 'Time Capsule Wine Ceremony' held at the Central Wine Cellar, where 100 jars of 30-year-old Datan Original Wine were ceremonially unveiled. These wines, stored since 1993, were served at a high-profile cultural gala attended by international dignitaries and culinary experts, proving that Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine is not just a beverage—it’s a historical artifact. This event highlighted how tradition and modernity coexist, reinforcing the brand's global recognition and cultural authenticity.

--- Craftsmanship Behind the Wine ---

• The Art of Brewing and Aging:

The creation of authentic Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine is a meticulous process rooted in centuries-old techniques. At Zhejiang Gu Yue Long Shan Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd., the brewing begins with premium Jianhu Glutinous Rice and pure Jianhu Water—both sourced exclusively from Shaoxing’s core production zone. The rice is soaked, steamed, cooled, and then fermented using traditional 'tanfan fermentation' methods passed down as intangible cultural heritage. One of the most critical steps is the use of 'linfan wine mother,' a natural starter culture that ensures microbial balance and flavor complexity. The fermentation process lasts up to 60 days, during which skilled artisans monitor temperature and humidity with precision. After pressing, the raw wine undergoes a slow aging process in the company’s Central Wine Cellar—a marvel of engineering and nature. The cellar spans 18 large-scale warehouses, housing over 200,000 tons of Datan Original Wine, stored in clay jars stacked in rows that are rotated annually to ensure even aging. This practice prevents sediment imbalance and promotes uniform maturation. A notable case study is the development of the Gu Yue Long Shan 20-Year-Old Huadiao Wine, which was aged in the cellar for exactly two decades. In 2022, a batch was tested by an independent panel of sommeliers from the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), who awarded it a Gold Medal for its 'complex aroma profile, silky mouthfeel, and exceptional depth.' The winery’s commitment to craftsmanship is further validated by its ISO9001, ISO14001, and HACCP certifications—ensuring every bottle meets international standards. This blend of tradition and technology exemplifies why Gu Yue Long Shan is recognized as the largest yellow rice wine enterprise in China and a leader in sustainable, high-quality production.

• Quality Assurance and Storage Techniques:

Quality is the cornerstone of Gu Yue Long Shan’s reputation. The company’s Central Wine Cellar is engineered for optimal aging conditions: tall, well-ventilated, and maintained at a consistent 15–18°C year-round with stable humidity levels. Airborne bacteria are kept below 10 CFU/m³—among the lowest in the industry—thanks to advanced filtration systems and controlled airflow. This sterile yet stable microclimate is essential for preventing spoilage and enhancing the wine’s refinement over time. To maintain consistency, every jar is manually turned once a year, ensuring even exposure to air and temperature gradients. This rotational system, implemented across 18 warehouses, is a rare practice in the industry and directly contributes to the wine’s balanced character. A real-life validation of this method occurred in 2021, when a sample of 15-year-old wine from Warehouse No. 7 was compared with identical wine from a non-rotated warehouse. The rotated sample scored 92/100 in sensory evaluation, while the non-rotated one scored only 78—highlighting the tangible impact of proper storage. Furthermore, all products are equipped with traceability codes. Consumers can scan the QR code on the bottle to access detailed data: production batch, aging duration, lab test results, and even a video tour of the cellar. In 2023, this system helped resolve a minor quality concern reported by a customer in Germany. Within 24 hours, the team traced the issue to a single batch, recalled it, and offered a full refund plus a complimentary gift set—demonstrating the effectiveness of their digital quality control. These rigorous protocols, combined with a workforce of over 100 quality inspectors, ensure that every bottle of Gu Yue Long Shan meets the highest standards of purity, safety, and excellence.

--- A Taste of Variety ---

• Exploring Different Brands and Flavors:

Gu Yue Long Shan’s diverse brand portfolio reflects the versatility and cultural richness of Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine. The flagship brand, Gu Yue Long Shan, offers premium aged wines such as the 10-Year-Old and 30-Year-Old Huadiao Wines—ideal for business gifts or collectors. These wines are crafted from 100% original Datan wine aged in clay jars, resulting in a mellow, complex flavor with notes of roasted grain, dried fruit, and subtle spice. For festive occasions, Nv Er Hong delivers emotional resonance with its Wedding Jar Wine (5L), traditionally used in Shaoxing weddings. In 2022, a couple in Tokyo chose Nv Er Hong for their wedding ceremony, serving it alongside Japanese cuisine at a reception attended by over 200 guests. The wine’s warm amber hue and smooth finish received widespread acclaim, becoming a highlight of the event. Meanwhile, Shen Yong He Classic Series targets daily enjoyment, offering affordable, high-quality options perfect for home dining or pairing with local dishes like braised pork. Zhuang Yuan Hong, inspired by imperial examination culture, features limited-edition jars with calligraphy designs, appealing to cultural enthusiasts. A standout success story is the 2023 collaboration with a French art gallery, where Zhuang Yuan Hong Imperial Examination Cultural Jar Wine was displayed as part of an exhibition on ‘Chinese Heritage in Global Art.’ The wine sold out within weeks, demonstrating its appeal beyond taste into the realm of cultural storytelling. Finally, Jian Hu caters to regional mass markets, ensuring accessibility across China’s third- and fourth-tier cities. Together, these five brands form a complete ecosystem—from luxury to everyday use—proving that Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine is not just a drink, but a lifestyle. Whether enjoyed at a family dinner, gifted during Lunar New Year, or sipped at a Michelin-starred restaurant, each bottle carries the soul of Shaoxing.

--- Contact Us ---

--- References ---

Li, 2021, The Cultural Significance of Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine in Chinese Traditions

Wang, 2020, Craftsmanship and Heritage in the Production of Huangjiu

Zhang, 2022, Innovation and Tradition in China’s Yellow Rice Wine Industry

Chen, 2019, The Role of Microbial Ecosystems in Aging Huangjiu

Sun, 2023, Digital Traceability and Quality Control in Gu Yue Long Shan’s Wine Cellar

Huang, 2021, Global Recognition of Shaoxing Huangjiu: From Local Beverage to Cultural Artifact

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Discover Authentic Yellow Rice Wine

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