From state project to global group
Helan Mountain opened in 1997 as a government-backed winery, in the early years of Ningxia's modern wine industry. In 2008 the French group Pernod Ricard took it over, first through a joint venture and later as sole owner. It was one of the first international investments in the region, and its presence helped put Ningxia on the global wine map.
A local winemaker
The winery's story is also the story of its chief winemaker, Ren Yanling. Born in the village where the winery stands, she started there as a vineyard worker soon after it opened, learned winemaking at university in Xi'an and on the job, and rose to lead the cellar.
Wines
Helan Mountain makes a range of reds and whites from about 130 hectares, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and including Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Its Reserve Pinot Noir and Reserve Merlot were among the Chinese wines that won medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2012.
Why it matters
Helan Mountain is a reminder that Ningxia's rise was built by local people as much as by investors, and it remains one of the region's historic names.