It is no surprise Okanagan wines are a big hit with B.C. wine drinkers but one local winery has caught the attention of overseas markets.
Painted Rock Estate Winery in Penticton has inked a deal to ship its wine to mainland China.
The winery has signed a contract to sell 10% to 20% of its production to a wine distributor in China.
John Skinner, owner of Painted Rock Estate Winery, says there are 525 cases in the first order and he predicts it will likely increase next year.
Skinner says the foreign exposure is invaluable to the winery and affords Painted Rock some long-term security as it grows into the future.
The contract runs for 15 years and can be renewed upon completion.
Meanwhile, Chinese investors are not only showing interest in Okanagan wines but in the vineyards themselves.
Lang Vineyards in Naramata was recently purchased by an investor in mainland China.
A spokesperson for Sotheby’s International Canada Realty says wine is becoming increasingly popular in China and there are a growing number of Chinese investors looking to capitalize on that emerging market.
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