It seems that Virginia wine has finally gained a foothold in the Chinese wine market. Governor Bob McDonnell announced yesterday that Barboursville Vineyards has entered an export agreement with the Tianjin Tewoo Group of Tienjin, the 53rd largest company in China. The group’s already expansive business interests–– which include automotive, recyclables, real estate, and energy enterprises–– will include Virginia-produced wine.
The agreement is a result of McDonnell’s trade and marketing promotion trip to Asia this past May. According to information released by the Governor’s office, Barboursville’s selection from a collection of seven Virginia wineries is most likely the “first commercial transaction between a Virginia winery and a Chinese importer.” Luca Paschina, Barboursville’s Winemaker and General Manager, states that he “[could] think of no better way to look toward the future than expanding [Barboursville’s] sales into China.”
The export deal between the Tewoo Group and Barboursville is not the vineyard’s first brush with international recognition. Its products were also featured at the British Embassy’s reception for Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton in April and are currently being exported to Great Britain as well.
Do you think Gov. McDonnell’s trip to Asia was worth taxpayer money?