Guests sample wines during the 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 24th General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on Monday. YANG DI/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

China's growing presence in the global wine industry was highlighted at an international congress that opened on Monday in Yinchuan, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, where industry officials praised the region for producing distinctive wines that reflect its distinctive terroir and growing technical expertise.

The 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 24th General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) are being held in Yinchuan, marking the first time the century-old congress has been held in Asia.

The OIV's member countries account for nearly 90 percent of global wine production.

The five-day congress has brought together representatives from 51 member countries, diplomats from 32 countries and more than 800 participants.

The sixth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo is being held alongside the congress.

Yvette van der Merwe, president of the OIV, said Ningxia had drawn on the long-established traditions and practices of the global wine industry while developing wines that reflect China's landscapes, culture, technological advances and local characteristics.

Ningxia's winemakers have every reason to be proud of their outstanding wines, which demonstrate technological innovation, a genuine exploration of local terroir and a strong commitment to sustainability, she said.

Van der Merwe added that Ningxia had established a distinctive position on the global wine map in a relatively short period, with its growing reputation driven not only by production but also by wines that showcase the region's distinctive terroir.

John Barker, director general of the OIV, said the congress would focus on transformation, innovation and sustainability. Discussions will cover 423 research papers submitted from 33 countries.

The congress follows China's official accession to the OIV in 2025 as its 51st member, making China the first country to join the organization in its second century.

The eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia have emerged as one of China's major wine-producing regions, with favorable climate and soil conditions supporting the industry's development.

By the end of 2025, Ningxia had 40,467 hectares of land planted with or designated for wine grapes, accounting for roughly 40 percent of China's total, according to local authorities.

Annual wine production reached 140 million bottles, ranking first nationwide in winery-produced wine.

More than 1,800 wines from the region have won international awards, while Ningxia wines are now exported to more than 40 countries and regions, reflecting the industry's expanding international reach.

An OIV exchange and cooperation center has also opened in Ningxia to facilitate technical exchanges and international collaboration.

The Helan Mountain Initiative, launched at the opening ceremony, called for stronger international cooperation, more sustainable wine production and closer integration of the wine industry with local culture and communities.

Ningxia has also expanded wine tourism, with 130 wineries offering a growing range of vineyard tours, wine tastings and cultural experiences that showcase the region's distinctive landscape and winemaking traditions.