As Paris marked a milestone in diplomatic history this past week, the ties between China and France were celebrated not only through statecraft but via the shared cultural passion for wine. The event, titled “When Yantai Meets Bordeaux”, commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, an element highlighted during this year’s Cultural Tourism Year between China and France.

Held in the heart of Paris, the gathering brought together sommeliers, vintners, and enthusiasts from both countries to toast to this historic friendship through a unique cultural lens: wine. The event was launched as part of the wider Sino-French Gastronomy Festival, an initiative aimed at fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation through the culinary arts. The ties between China and France—a relationship steeped in history and mutual respect—were further solidified by recognizing their longstanding vinicultural traditions.

The significance of Yantai, a city often heralded as the birthplace of China’s modern wine industry, was underscored during the event. It was in Yantai that Changyu, China’s first winery, was founded over a century ago, marking the beginning of serious wine production in the country. This storied past makes Yantai a symbolic counterpart to Bordeaux, one of France’s most revered wine regions.

The highlight of the event was the launch of a special “60 Years of Sino-French Friendship” red wine gift box. Curated by Fabrice Sommier, president of the French Sommelier Union, the gift box represents a bridge between the two cultures, featuring an exquisite 2018 vintage from Chateau Phelan Segur in Bordeaux, and a select Cabernet Sauvignon from Yantai Changyu Longyu.

Gong Haitao, a prominent official from Yantai, expressed that wine serves as a vibrant cultural ambassador for Yantai. The city is not only significant within China for its contributions to the wine industry but also serves as a gateway for cultural exchange with the world. The release of the commemorative wine gift box aims to solidify this narrative, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation between the people of China and France.

The event not only celebrated historical ties but also aimed at contributing to a sustainable future. Proceeds from the sales of the “60 Years of Sino-French Friendship” wine boxes in China will be donated to EcoTree, an environmental organization dedicated to global green and low-carbon initiatives. This commitment reflects a combined vision for a sustainable future, underpinning the celebration of historical relations with a forward-looking approach to environmental responsibility.

As the glasses clinked in Paris, the event “When Yantai Meets Bordeaux” did more than just recall the past 60 years. It paved the way for a continued, fruitful, and sustainable relationship between two of the world’s great wine cultures, celebrating their shared histories and commitments to the future. Through such cultural exchanges, China and France continue to strengthen a partnership that is as rich and complex as the wines they produce.