Asian wine markets see shifts in South Korean imports and Chinese harvests

The wine markets in South Korea and China are experiencing distinct shifts in 2026. In South Korea, the market is undergoing a technical readjustment following years of rapid expansion. During the first half of 2026, global wine imports to the country reached 27.6 million liters, a slight volume decrease of 0.8% compared to the same period in 2025. The market value saw a sharper decline of 4.7%, totaling 184.2 million euros, driven by a lower average purchase price of 6.67 euros per liter.

In China, the 2026 grape harvest for wine production is estimated to reach approximately 445,000 tons, with a projected range between 391,000 and 498,000 tons. This production is spread across a commercial area of roughly 95,000 to 103,000 hectares. Major production regions include Ningxia, Shandong, Xinjiang, Gansu, and Hebei, which collectively account for 92% to 94% of China's wine grape vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon remains the dominant variety, covering nearly 50% of the surface area.