SILVER HEIGHTS VINEYARD, leading the way for biodynamic viticulture and minimal-intervention wine making in China, is now ready to launch their newest collection of Natural Wines: Jiayuan 家园. Three single-varietal cuvées have been produced created in very limited quantity (less than 3000 bottles each), using an extremely purist approach to wine making that focuses on wild yeast fermentation, no filtration, and minimal sulfur.
“From the early days, we have always been guided by the ancient wisdom of Jieqi (节气) solar terms, and we also used organic practices to avoid chemicals and artificial pesticide. Now since 2017, our estate fully embraces biodynamic farming. Celebrating our passion for minimal-intervention winemaking notes, the Jiayuan collection strives to express the raw beauty of our eco-system. By cultivating harmony with the seasons, encouraging the transformations that nature brings forth, we nurture energy and vitality throughout our vines for it to be expressed in every bottle.”
- Emma Gao
Owner and winemaker of Silver Heights Vineyard, Emma Gao has been a pioneering figure of China’s modern wine scene. Raised in Ningxia, her father taught her to appreciate the potential for the area’s unique terroir and agriculture. She studied in Bordeaux, obtaining the prestigious Diplome National d’Oenologue, and went on to visit many of the world’s top wine regions. Returning to Yinchuan in 2007, her family launched Silver Heights Vineyards, making artisanal wines that demonstrated craftsmanship, integrity and passion.
They used organic viticulture principles to farm their tiny family farm, while also partnering with additional farmers, sharing best practices. Eventually their singular attention to quality and authenticity would help bring critical acclaim to Ningxia as China’s premier wine growing region. Gaining early positive reviews from the world’s most respected media (Jancis Robinson / Robert Parker / RVF), Emma showed that China could produce artisanal wines with balance, delicacy and longevity.
Since their beginning days, Silver Heights embraced natural techniques in farming, while also following the ancient Chinese principles of Jieqi (well respected in agricultural parts of the country). After 2015, the winery was able to make their wines from 100% estate fruit, and eventually earn the Chinese Government’s Organic Certification. Moreover, since 2017, the focus has been on enhancing the ecosystem and soils of their vineyards by converting to Biodynamic Viticulture.
Her estate now includes shanyang, chickens, horses and donkeys which all contribute to the nutrient-rich composts and the vineyard’s cycle of life. This holistic approach and passionate philosophy allowed her understanding of wine making to progress using only the most delicate hand to guide the wines fermentation and evolution.
Silver Heights wines are now sold around the world, showing the elegance and finesse expected of the world’s best Chateaux. Emma Gao continues to gradually expand her production capability, while also pushing for innovation in her repertoire of wines. For over a decade, the winery has been consistently setting an example as a multigenerational family winery prioritizing sustainability and harmony with nature.
