Winery Overview & History
Ao Yun is a pioneering high-altitude estate in Yunnan’s Shangri-La, set among remote Himalayan villages. Launched in the 2010s, the project unites smallholder vineyards and precision winemaking to craft world-class mountain reds.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Vines grow between 2,000–2,600 meters above sea level on terraces near the Upper Mekong (Lancang) River. Thin mountain air, intense sunlight, and wide diurnal shifts create naturally thick-skinned grapes with fine acidity and aromatic purity. Soils are diverse—river stones, clay-limestone, and schist.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The core blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, supported by Merlot, Syrah, or Petit Verdot in some years. The style combines dark fruit, alpine herbs, graphite, and refined tannins—power with poise.
Signature Wines
- Ao Yun — A high-altitude Grand Vin of remarkable depth and longevity.
- Ao Yun Blanc de Blancs — Limited white from mountain sites (select vintages).
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Hand-harvested micro-parcels are vinified separately. Gentle extraction, careful oak maturation, and long élevage preserve tension and site detail.
Visitor & Contact Information
Location: Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan, China
Website: www.aoyunwine.com
Visiting: Remote mountain access; private visits by advance arrangement.
*Photo courtesy of Wikipedia