知味君The 8th International Terroir Symposium, November 20–22 2025, organized by TasteSpirit & TerroirSense in Shanghai, gathered 208 wineries and tea houses from key producing regions in 17 countries around the world, along with 76 winery owners, senior representatives and leading experts in the field of terroir. Over 3,000 experienced Chinese wine lovers and industry elites attended this important annual event in Shanghai, China. Together they engaged in in-depth tasting and exchanges around nearly 800 terroir wines and teas — a scale that has triggered tremendous response both internationally and within the Chinese wine community. Find the complete list of participating wineries via this link.
Since the first International Terroir Symposium in 2015, now 10 years ago, the number of on-site participants has grown from 1,000 to around 4,000. Back then, the term “terroir” was seldom used in the Chinese wine market. Through a decade of development and accumulation, this symposium has become a highly anticipated annual event for Chinese wine lovers and industry professionals, and the concept of “terroir” has become almost universally used when discussing wine today.
Once more, we sincerely thank all partners and participants for their support and care over the past 10 years. It is because of you that the idea of respecting nature and terroir has never had such influence and appeal as today.
Photos from the three-day event are now available. Browse the official album via this link and preserve these unforgettable moments.
The next International Terroir Symposium is tentatively scheduled to be held on November 27–29, 2026. Please kindly reserve the date. For wineries and exhibitors, you may pre-register by contacting the team via email: application@terroir-symposium.com
Franco-Chinese Friendship Dinner
On the evening of Tuesday, November 18, to mark the opening of the 2025 8th International Terroir Symposium, a Franco-Chinese friendship dinner was held at the French Embassy in Beijing. Hosted by the French Ambassador to China, Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, along with several heads of French grand wineries and two representative Chinese terroir tea houses, the dinner offered a pinnacle of cultural exchange for friends of terroir wines and supporters of Sino-French friendship. The event also celebrated the 61st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, paying tribute and thanks to those who contributed to Sino-French friendship.
French Ambassador to China Bertrand Lortholary, Thibault Liger-Belair (President of International Terroir Association(AIT)), Laurent Delaunay (President of BIVB), Hao Linhai (Founding President of the Ningxia Helan Mountain East Foothills Grape and Wine Association), Jacky Rigaux (Vice President of International Terroir Association (AIT)), Jean-Michel Chartron (owner of Domaine Jean Chartron), Nadine Gublin (chief winemaker of Domaine Jacques Prieur), Edouard Moueix (third generation of J.P. Moueix), and many other distinguished guests attended the dinner.
Guests enjoyed fine terroir wines and high-quality teas, including Yunnan Pu’er “TAETEA” and Wuyi Mountain “Tianxin Moon Tea” teas from China, as well as Champagne Henri Giraud, terroir wines from 5 Top Burgundian estates (Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair, Maison Edouard Delaunay, Domaine Jacques Prieur, Domaine Jean Chartron) and the great Bordeaux estate Château Belair-Monange from J.P. Moueix— six terroir estates in total offering their finest wines.
International Terroir Seminar: 7-Hour Deep Dive into “Protection and Transmission of Terroir Culture”
As a major segment of every year’s International Terroir Symposium, the seminar attracted warm discussions and broad acclaim. The theme this year was “Protection and Transmission of Terroir Culture”. Thirty-five world-class wine experts — including winery owners, winemakers, researchers, wine writers, and critics from around the globe — attended and shared insights.
Notably, the French Consul General in Shanghai, Mr. Joan Valadou, delivered the opening speech. Aubert de Villaine, honorary president of Association Internationale des Terroirs (AIT) , co-owner of the famous estate Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti and long term supporter of this event from its beginning— expressing his support and blessings for the 2025 International Terroir Symposium. Mr. Haolin Hai, the founding chairman of the Helan Mountain East Foothills Vine and Wine Association from Ningxia, also spoke about his understanding of terroir in different phases in the past 10 years. As well as Thibault Liger-Belair -the current AIT president, Laurent Delaunay – the President of BIVB and owner of Maison Edouard Delaunay, Paolo Basso -world’s best sommelier of 2013, Luis Gutierrez – globally renowned wine critic, and many other leading figures from terroir winery owners including Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)’s owner Saskia de Rothschild — all attended and took part in speeches and round-table discussions. The lineup was unprecedented in the history of this event.
For a more detailed recap of the Terroir Seminar of this year, please refer to this summary report.
French Consul-General’s Official Dinner
On the evening of November 20, Mr. Joan Valadou hosted a dinner at Villa Basset (the official consular residence), welcoming French winery representatives and regional heads. Officials from the French Consulate’s Business and Agriculture & Food departments discussed the development of the Chinese consumer market. Guests explored deep topics like Sino-French cooperation, terroir culture exchange, and trade cooperation.
Chinese Terroir Tea Tasting & Exchange
Some winery owners and terroir-wine experts also joined a Chinese terroir tea tasting session hosted by leading tea producers from Wuyi Mountains of Fujian and the Pu’er region of Yunnan— comparing terroir conditions, production techniques and brewing/tasting skills, exploring the path of mutual appreciation between the terroirs and products of Chinese tea and wines from all over the world.
8 Prestige Terroir Grand Masterclasses
These masterclasses, curated by world-class wine authorities and top winery owners, shared centuries-old family heritage and deep terroir knowledge. Highlights included:
A masterclass by the owner of Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Ms. Saskia de Rothschild, owner of Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) , delivered a keynote speech at this year’s International Terroir Seminar and participated in the round-table discussions. She also led her team in presenting an exceptional masterclass featuring Château Lafite Rothschild and Domaine de Long Dai, offering an in-depth comparison of the similarities and differences between the terroir of Bordeaux, France and Shandong, China, and sharing the centuries-long journey of heritage and evolution at this legendary estate. As the new-generation leader of the Rothschild family, truly remarkable and charismatic.
A masterclass on Geo-sensorial Tasting led by Jacky Rigaux
One of the most prestigious masterclasses of this year’s International Terroir Symposium was presented jointly by the leaders of five iconic, hall-of-fame Burgundy domaines. The speakers included Laurent Delaunay, President of BIVB; Thibault Liger-Belair, President of the International Terroir Association; Nadine Gublin, Chief Winemaker of Domaine Jacques Prieur, whose exceptional vineyards span the core villages of Burgundy; Christophe Bichot, proprietor of the historic and influential négociant-house Albert Bichot; and Jean-Michel Chartron, owner of the illustrious Puligny-Montrachet estate Domaine Jean Chartron.
The masterclass was given by world-renowned wine writer Jacky Rigaux, with senior Burgundy expert and TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief Siwei Zhu hosting, translating, and providing in-depth interpretation. Through a comparative tasting of 10 outstanding terroir wines—primarily Premier Cru and Grand Cru—participants received systematic instruction on the principles of the geo-sensorial tasting method and gained insight into the core philosophy of Burgundy growers, for whom expressing terroir is a lifelong mission.
“A Global Terroir Panorama of Great Terroirs” masterclass by Paolo Basso
In 2013, Mr. Paolo Basso won the title of “Best Sommelier of the World” at the World Sommelier Championship. While more than 270 sommeliers have obtained the Master Sommelier certification, the World Sommelier Competition—over its 55-year history—has produced only 17 world champions. This rarity underscores the exceptional prestige of the title, often regarded as the sommelier world’s equivalent of an Olympic gold medal.
His masterclass, “A Global Panorama of Great Terroirs,” was the most wide-ranging session of this year’s International Terroir Symposium. A total of 13 extraordinary terroir wines were presented, including Paolo Basso’s own acclaimed creation from Ticino, Switzerland—an eye-opening experience for Chinese wine lovers.
The 11 winery owners and representatives who co-presented the masterclass included:
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Jaume Gramona, owner of Gramona, the famed Spanish sparkling-wine estate
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Valentí Llagostera, owner of Mas Doix, a leading producer from Priorat, Spain
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Edouard Moueix, third-generation leader of the renowned Jean-Pierre Moueix family in Bordeaux
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Charles Perrin, owner of Famille Perrin, a major estate in France’s Rhône Valley
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Biao Chen, brand ambassador for Insignia (Napa Valley, USA) and Bodega Numanthia (Toro, Spain) under the MHD Group
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Alessandro Mori, owner of Il Marroneto, a top Brunello di Montalcino estate in Italy
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Celestino Gaspari, owner of Zýmē, a renowned Amarone della Valpolicella producer in Italy
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Jerome Moitry, owner of Château Climens, the prestigious Premier Cru Barsac sweet-wine estate in Bordeaux
Exploring the Great Representative Wines of Chinese Terroir
Led by World Sommelier Champion Paolo Basso and TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief Siwei Zhu
Co-presented by World’s Best Sommelier Paolo Basso and TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief Siwei Zhu, the masterclass “Exploring the Great Representative Wines of Chinese Terroir” focused on three of China’s leading wine regions: Penglai in Shandong, the Helan Mountain East Foothills in Ningxia, and Shangri-La in Yunnan.
As outstanding representatives of Chinese terroir wines, Ms. Rita Lihui Zhang, owner of Mystic Island Winery; Ms. Miao Sun, owner of Domaine des Arômes; Mr. Kexu Cui, Technical Director of Shangri-La Winery; and Mr. Biao Chen, Brand Ambassador of Ao Yun, each introduced and shared their wineries’ high-quality terroir expressions.
In addition to the insightful commentary from the World’s Best Sommelier and the TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief, the audience for this masterclass included many of the most influential figures in the global wine industry: Laurent Delaunay, President of BIVB; Thibault Liger-Belair, President of the International Terroir Association (AIT); world-renowned wine writer Jacky Rigaux; Peter Sisseck, owner of Dominio de Pingus; and famed global wine critic Luis Gutiérrez, among others. Many owners of top terroir winery and experts from around the world made a special effort to attend, tasting with great focus, listening attentively to the presentations, and actively engaging with questions and discussion. After the masterclass, we received an outpouring of praise and encouragement from them.
Tour de France – Masterclass of “Tontons Trinqueurs”
The renowned French vignerons’ alliance “Tontons Trinqueurs” made its second appearance in China, presenting an exciting masterclass titled “Tour de France.” Hosted, translated, and expertly interpreted by French-wine specialist and TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief Siwei Zhu, the session featured owners and representatives from six outstanding terroir-driven estates across major French regions, showcasing 12 exceptional wines.
Speakers included:
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Amandine Marchive, owner of Domaine des Malandes, a celebrated estate in Chablis, Burgundy
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Capucine Muzard, new-generation proprietor of Domaine Lucien Muzard & Fils, a distinguished Santenay estate in Burgundy
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Laurent Féry, co-owner of the esteemed Burgundy domaine Jean Féry & Fils
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Thibaut Boulay, owner of Domaine Gérard Boulay, a benchmark Sancerre estate in the Loire Valley
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Sylvain Fadat, owner of Domaine d’Aupilhac, a leading producer in Languedoc
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Mélanie Soto, Sales Director of Clos Uroulat, a renowned estate in Jurançon
Exploring Burgundy’s Newly Elevated Premier Cru: Masterclass with the Esteemed Producers of Pouilly-Fuissé
As the heart of the Mâconnais region in Southern Burgundy, Pouilly-Fuissé undoubtedly possesses an outstanding terroir for Chardonnay. After more than a decade of applications, in 2020, twenty-two of its climats finally received official French recognition, formally upgrading from Village status to “Premier Cru”! This spectacular and pioneering masterclass focused on 10 of these core Premier Cru vineyards, each introduced by the proprietor of one of the 10 leading estates in Pouilly-Fuissé. The session was translated and interpreted by TasteSpirit Editor-in-Chief, Zhu Siwei. Such an in-depth exploration of this appellation is arguably a first of its kind in China.
The 10 featured estates are:
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Domaine Cheveau
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Domaine Manciat-Poncet
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Domaine Thibert
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Domaine Bressand
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Domaine Sophie Cinier
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Domaine Cordier
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Domaine Camille Giroux
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Domaine des Deux Roches
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Domaine Vessigaud
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Domaine Auvigue
Masterclass of Dominio de Pingus & Álvaro Palacios
World Renowned Wine Critic – Luis Gutiérrez’s Masterclass featuring Outstanding Spanish Terroir Estates
The ultra-luxurious lineup of Spanish wineries was undoubtedly the highlight of this year’s International Terroir Symposium. Led by key Spanish wine figures Álvaro Palacios, Dominio de Pingus’ proprietor Peter Sisseck, and Raúl Pérez, along with the authority on Spanish wine, critic Luis Gutiérrez, virtually the majority of the best Spanish estate that you can think of were here in Shanghai!
The two leading figures in Spanish wine, Álvaro Palacios and Peter Sisseck, jointly presented one combined masterclass. Meanwhile, Luis Gutiérrez led another broader masterclass, featuring the proprietors of 10 rising-star Spanish terroir estates from various major appellations. This truly was a Dream Team lineup, shining brightly with star power:
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Jorge Monzón, Proprietor of Dominio de Águila
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Alfonso Torrente and Roberto Santana, Joint Proprietors of Envínate
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Pedro Rodríguez, Proprietor of Adegas Guímaro
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Rodrigo Méndez, Proprietor of Forjas del Salnés
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Álvaro Palacios, Proprietor of Los Descendientes de J.Palacios
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Pablo Calatayud, Proprietor of Celler del Roure
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Pablo Rodríguez and Mateo Rodríguez, Junior Proprietors of Bodega Lanzaga (Telmo Rodríguez)
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Curro Barreño, Proprietor of Viticola Mentridana and Representative of Comando G
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Francesc Escala, Export Manager of Raventós i Blanc
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Roger Valls, Export Manager of Venus la Universal
Top Terroir Wine Grand Tasting
The “Top Terroir Wine Grand Tasting” was successfully held on November 21st and 22nd. Bringing 208 famous terroir estates from 17 major wine-producing countries around the world, including 3 leading Chinese terroir tea houses, presenting over 800 fine wines and premium teas.
The scale and enthusiasm of the event were unprecedented. Over 3,000 attendees—including seasoned wine lovers, industry buyers, sommeliers and F&B managers from renowned restaurants and hotels, as well as high-quality importers, distributors, and retailers from all over the country—participated in the fair. They immersed themselves in the world of global terroir fine wines and premium teas, gaining precious knowledge and experience and engaging in enthusiastic exchanges. A lot of overwhelmingly positive feedbacks have been received onsite and after this grand tasting!
La Paulée – Harvest Dinner
On the evening of November 22nd, the 8th International Terroir Symposium came to a close. Over 300 renowned estate proprietors from global wine regions, along with seasoned enthusiasts and industry elites from the Chinese wine sector, gathered for a festive evening.
They celebrated their collective efforts and fruitful achievements of the past few days with a “La Paulée Harvest Dinner“. Following the tradition of La Paulée, each person brought a fine bottle of terroir wine to share, culminating in a night of shared enjoyment and celebration.
The entire gathering of over 300 guests, including Mr. Joan Valadou, the Consul General of France in Shanghai, joined 76 world-class estate proprietors, winemakers, and senior representatives from 17 countries. They came together for this magnificent wine banquet to celebrate the memorable 10th anniversary of the International Terroir Symposium!
Under the harmonious combination of fine food, wines, and shared cultural enthusiasm — amid laughter and friendly conversation — this year’s International Terroir Symposium drew to a successful close!
The next International Terroir Symposium is tentatively scheduled to be held on November 27–29, 2026. Please kindly reserve the date. For wineries and exhibitors, you may pre-register by contacting the team via email: application@terroir-symposium.com
About the Organizer
TasteSpirit is China’s leading wine media, tasting-experience and wine-recommendation platform, dedicated to building a vibrant Chinese wine terroir culture community. Founded in 2010, TasteSpirit now reaches over 10 million readers. The International Terroir Symposium organized by TasteSpirit holds huge influence among the global and Chinese wine industry and enthusiasts.
TerroirSense was established in 2020; under it, the “TerroirSense Wine Review” is an internationally leading reviewer of terroir wines and foods, covering wines, gourmet food, tea and other terroir products. Its wine academy, “TerroirSense Wine Academy”, offers internationally leading Great Terroir Wine certification courses (GTW), including general global courses and sub-courses for France, Italy and Burgundy wine regions — aiming to revive and reinterpret geo-sensorial tasting method. The Academy is a top authority for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to deepen their wine knowledge on a terroir basis.
