The 4Th International Symposium

on Viticulture and Enology held in Yangling

        The Fourth International Symposium on Viticulture and Enology was held from the April 20 -22 in Yangling Demonstration Zone, where the famous NorthwestA&FUniversity is located. This symposium, sponsored by Organisation Internationale de la Vigne (OIV.), the Protection Office of State Quality and Technology Supervisory Administration, China Food Industry Association, China Alcoholic Drink Industry Association, the Administrative Committee of Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Demonstration Zone and the Northwest A&F University etc, managed by the College of Enlology of the Northwest A&F University, attracted over 150 professional, scholars and experts in viticulture and enology from home and abroad, of whom there are delegates from France, Italy, Germany, Spain and so on. Many press bodies including the Xinhua News Agency, Shaanxi Daily and China Daily etc have sent their staff to witness and publicize this great gathering for viticulture and enology.

        During the symposium the delegates have conducted lots of lectures and discussion sessions including grape planting, wine-making technology, equipment, wine culture, wine tourism and wine market promotion etc with ¡°the sustainable development of viticulture and enology¡± and ¡°the world wine market¡± as the major themes. After 3 days¡¯ extensive academic exchanges and communication, the delegates reach a unanimous agreement that facing tough challenge in the era of globalization and ever-increasing competitiveness, Chinese wine industry should adopt sustainable development approach with full consideration of harmonious co-existence between man and nature. They also think that to improve the competitiveness of the wine industry is absolutely necessary to promote the progress of Chinese wine industry.

        While stepping into one of the largest producers in wine industry, China will soon become one of the largest wine consumers in the world. According to statistics, the total wine output in 2004 reached 367,000 tons, increased by 14.7% over the previous year, and the sales income totaled 7.434 billion yuan. This proves a great foreseeable potential in Chinese industry.

        The delegates also discussed many factors influencing wine production and consumption. Natural conditions, very important role in sustainable development of viticulture and enology, are closely related to all the processes in wine-making. Market, another important governing factor, is equally important to the success of the industry. Wine tour, a potential strategy combining wine industry and tourism, is surely to be a very promising industry in the future.

        Furthermore, the delegates are fully aware that the Olympic Games to be held in 2008, Beijing is not only an opportunity to push forward Chinese economic development, but also a very good chance to promote the positive development of the wine industry in China. They hope that professionals in and out of the wine industry should seize this opportunity to push forward the rapid development of wine industry.

        This symposium, the fourth of its kind in China, is indispensable to the College of Enology, the NorthwestA&FUniversity, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture in April 1994. Now the college is the largest of its kind in the world with the largest enrollment ranging from 3-year college students, 4-year undergraduates, MS and PhD. students. Over the past decade, great achievements have been made in the college. The college is characterized by education, production and extension, which have trained lots of talents in Chinese wine industry.

        This symposium is a great conference in the circle of viticulture and enology as well as a profound academic activity in research and industrial field. It is truly a bridge for the government, associations and enterprises to work together for the bright prospects of the industry. It will be of great significance to upgrade the development of viticulture and enology in China.