Yunnan Red Wine Chateau

Yunnan Red Wine Chateau (also known as Yunnan Red Wine Manor or Villa) is nestled within the vast vineyards of Dongfeng Farm in Mile City, approximately 150 kilometers from Kunming. Accessible via a 35-minute high-speed train ride from Kunming to Mile Station, this estate is a perfect destination for wine lovers, cultural explorers, and leisure travelers.
 

Visitors can witness modern winemaking processes, explore the largest underground wine cellar in southern China, participate in grape picking and tasting sessions, and admire the Gothic-style church set against picturesque vineyard landscapes. The cellar stores a variety of red wines, and guests can sample wines while learning tasting techniques. Before leaving, visitors may select souvenirs for friends and family. In summary, Yunnan Red Wine Chateau is an ideal destination to explore Yunnan's wine culture and production methods. Additionally, its proximity to the Dongfengyun Scenic Area makes it convenient for combined visits.

Visiting info for the Chateau

Chinese name: 云南红酒庄 (Yúnnán Hóngjiǔzhuāng)
Address: Dongfeng Farm, Xinshao Town, Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, China (035 County Road)
Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Ticket: CNY 20 (prices subject to change; please refer to official announcements)
Things to Do: Visit vineyards, taste elegant wines, explore the winemaking process, pick fresh grapes (in season), and enjoy scenic valley views.
Recommended Duration: Around 2 hours
Nearby Attractions: Dongfengyun Scenic Area, Fayi Christ Sheng'En Church

Development History and Honors

In 1983, the state-owned Mile Dongfeng Farm established the Yunnan Shilin Grape Wine Company. In 1997, Mr. Wu Kegang, Chairman of Hong Kong Tongheng International Investment Group, acquired the original winery and founded Yunnan Plateau Wine Co., Ltd., marking the official establishment of Yunnan Red Wine Chateau.

Yunnan Red Wine Chateau is a renowned brand in China's wine industry, with products repeatedly winning domestic and international awards. For example, in 2008, its grape spirit received the highest honor at an international competition. The chateau was also officially designated as a wine estate by the China Agriculture Association, making it one of the most representative red wine chateaus in Southwest China.

Unique Advantages of Yunnan Vineyards

Yunnan Red Wine Chateau owns 40,000 mu (about 2,700 hectares) of vineyards located in the Honghe Valley plateau near the Tropic of Cancer, with an average elevation of 1,800 meters—south of the traditional grape-growing belt. The low latitude and high altitude create unique climatic conditions, perfectly meeting the eight optimal conditions for grape growth. 

The region enjoys ample sunlight, moderate rainfall, dry weather, and well-ventilated sandy soil, fulfilling all traditional grape-growing requirements. Additionally, the area benefits from long effective growing periods, significant diurnal temperature variations, short rainy seasons, high evaporation rates, and intense short-wave sunlight with strong ultraviolet radiation, giving Yunnan Red Wine Chateau a unique advantage in grape cultivation.

This has led to five world records for "Yunnan Red":
The world's earliest ripening wine grapes 
The world's highest-altitude and lowest-latitude vineyard
The world's best sunlight quality for vineyards
The world's only remaining winemaking variety, Rose Honey 
The world's earliest vintage wine released each year

Core Attractions

1. Vast Vineyards

The estate boasts over 20,000 mu (about 1,300 hectares) of vineyards, cultivating both table grapes and wine grapes. Key varieties include:
Rose Honey (玫瑰蜜) and Crystal Grapes (table grapes)
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Riesling Italico, and Chardonnay (wine grapes)
The expansive vineyards form a unique natural landscape on the Yunnan Plateau, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of rural scenery and grape cultivation.

2. Underground Wine Cellar

Nicknamed the “First Cellar in the South”, this underground cellar covers about 4,000 square meters and can store up to 5,000 oak barrels with a total capacity of 1,200 tons of wine. With constant temperature and humidity, it provides the perfect environment for wine aging. Rows of French oak barrels filled with fragrant wines create a truly atmospheric experience.

3. Wine Goddess Statue

The “Wine Goddess” sculpture, holding grapes and a goblet, symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of the winery. Legend has it that 100 bottles of wine produced in 1997 are sealed beneath the statue, planned to be opened after 100 years — a tribute to the winery’s vision of century-long heritage.

Suggested Visiting Route

Upon entering the chateau, visitors are greeted by the beautiful Goddess of Wine sculpture and the Century Dream sculpture, set amidst lush gardens—perfect for photos and appreciating the artistic ambiance.

Next, follow guides into the winemaking workshop to learn about the entire process from grape picking, crushing, and fermentation to bottling. Observe modern winemaking equipment and gain insights into wine production. Visit the sprawling underground cellar, which stores various high-end aged wines in neatly arranged French oak barrels. The constant temperature and humidity provide an ideal environment for wine maturation. In the tasting room, sample the chateau's finest wines, learn tasting techniques, and experience the unique flavors of different varieties and vintages.

Finally, take a leisurely stroll through the vast vineyards, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the tranquility of nature.

Nearby Attractions
The Fayi Christ Sheng'En Church is just a 5-minute drive from the chateau exit. Built to commemorate French missionaries who introduced grapes to Dongfeng Farm, the church blends Chinese and Western cultural elements with unique architectural style, set against the backdrop of endless vineyards—a great spot for photography. The Dongfengyun Scenic Area, known for its distinctive architecture and lavender fields, is another popular attraction in Mile and can be easily combined with a visit to the chateau for a richer travel experience.

How to Get There:

From Kunming, take a high-speed train to Mile Station (about 35 minutes). If you plan to visit Dongfengyun Scenic Area first, you can take High-speed Rail Shuttle Line 3 to reach Dongfengyun, and afterwards take a taxi to the wine chateau. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to the chateau.