Going for gold

"The 2019 vintage is richer and fuller, while the 2020 is more elegant in aroma, with balanced acidity, good structure, and refined tannins," he says.

Kang didn't begin his career in wine. He originally worked in petrochemicals before making a complete career shift in 2019, starting from scratch as a cellar worker. Through hands-on experience, he learned the craft and fell in love with wine.

The Ren Yi Yuan is barely any older than Kang's winemaking career. It planted its first grapes in 2010, finished the winery in 2018, and began full operations in 2019.

The 120-hectare estate now grows nine varieties and produces about 500,000 bottles a year. Kang reflects a vision of creating a time-honored brand rooted in heritage. "It promotes Confucian values of benevolence and virtue, and reminds us of our commitment to making wines that represent the Chinese terroir with care and excellence."

The winery's architecture emphasizes design and cultural symbolism. Its labels are traditionally Chinese in style — the award-winning bottle features a depiction of Laozi, a key Taoist figure, riding an ox.