Napa Valley receives landmark protection in China

THE CHINESE government has recognised Napa Valley with geographic indication (GI) status, making it the first international region to receive the mark. The GI provides consumer protection against wines illegitimately labelled as being from Napa Valley. The GI was published in the report by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

“Having the Chinese government’s official recognition protects the integrity of the Napa Valley brand, and does so fairly early-on in our efforts to develop this tremendous market. This is a ‘win’ for Napa Valley and a ‘win’ for the Chinese consumer,” says Linda Reiff executive director of Napa Valley Vintners, the nonprofit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region.