Silver Heights, one of China’s most renowned wineries, has named CWS (China Wine & Spirits) as its distributor for the on-trade channel, replacing longtime partner Torres China, which is now owned by Wajiu.
Founded in 2007 on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, Silver Heights is a family-owned winery established by Gao Lin and his daughter Emma Gao. Over less than two decades, the estate has grown from a small experiment into one of China’s most recognised boutique producers, known for its purity of style and uncompromising approach to quality. In 2023, it became the first Chinese winery to earn Demeter biodynamic certification, an achievement that further cemented its reputation as a pioneer.
CWS, established in 2006, is a subsidiary of Bordeaux-based ELAN Group. The importer represents more than 190 wine and spirits brands with a portfolio of over 1,400 products. Its distribution network covers major first- and second-tier cities in China, serving more than 2,000 active on-trade clients.
Its growing influence has attracted international names: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) shifted the distribution of its third label, Anseillan, from the leading fine dining Chinese restaurant chain Xinrongji Group to CWS, underscoring the strength of its on-trade network. Beyond Ningxia, CWS also represents DBR’s Chinese winery Long Dai, China’s first pet-nat producer Domaine le Moodie, and fellow Ningxia producer Jade Vineyard.
Silver Heights CEO Marco Milani said the winery sees CWS as an opportunity to broaden its reach in China. “With CWS, we see the opportunity to strengthen our presence in key cities while also reaching new audiences,” Milani told Vino Joy News. “Our expectations are very positive, not only in terms of sales but also in building long-term cultural bridges through wine.”
“This collaboration marks a new chapter for us, one where we can reach wine lovers across China with precision and professionalism. Mainland China, despite the difficulties of recent years, continues to be a market full of energy, curiosity and appreciation for authentic and high-quality wine,” he added.
CWS general manager Francisco Henriques expressed confidence in the partnership. “We strongly believe in Chinese wines, which is why we have established several partnerships with numerous estates across different regions of China,” Henriques said. “We are now conducting masterclasses and wine dinners including some of the greatest old vintages to show the aging potential and the Silver Heights wine soul.”
Silver Heights has gained recognition both at home and abroad. In 2024, the winery exported RMB 2.3 million (about USD 320,000) worth of wine, up roughly 30% from the previous year and accounting for about 17% of Ningxia’s total wine exports. Its wines are now sold in 18 countries and regions across Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia. In September, the winery will join the portfolio of Dan Murphy’s, one of Australia’s largest wine retailers, where its Last Warrior will be sold.
Still, China remains Silver Heights’ primary strategic market. Milani said the winery will continue to balance domestic and overseas expansion and is preparing to enter West Asia. “China is central to our global vision, and we are proud to be part of its vibrant and evolving wine scene,” he said. “Looking ahead, our ambition is to expand this collaboration along the Silk Road, starting from Kazakhstan, where we see promising potential. The historical Silk Road has always been a path of exchange and connection—our wines can play a symbolic role in that story today.”
CWS’s sister company KWS is also a leading wine importer in Kazakhstan. According to ELAN Group, KWS employs 111 staff, serves 1,500 clients, and sold more than 1.25 million bottles of wine in 2022.
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