Move over, Disneyland! Changyu, China’s largest and oldest winery, has announced the opening of a new wine theme park in Shanghai. Based in the newly popular North Bund – near the city’s must-see historic waterfront and skyscraper-stuffed business district Pudong – the 7,000 square metre boozy wonderland, or ‘Changyu City Winery’ as it’ll technically be called, is set to open this August.
Sound too amazing to be true? Well, despite the liberal use of the word ‘theme park’, we wouldn’t necessarily book tickets expecting corkscrew-inspired roller coasters. While the park’s designs aren’t yet finalised, the info released so far suggests that it’s going to be more educational than high thrills. First, an immersive experience will walk you through how wine is produced, showing off seasoned barrels from Changyu’s 13 wineries and providing a virtual tour of its vineyards (some of which are set around ridiculously opulent Bordeaux-style châteaux in inland China). A separate dining area will – surprise – let you actually taste the wines and discover how they pair with food.
Of course, no matter quite what form it ultimately takes, Changyu City Winery will probably make a fun part of a wine-themed day out in Shanghai. If for no other reason than when you finish the tour, you’re a mere bottle’s toss from some of the city’s best restaurant vino lists – ideal for getting stuck into some serious tastings. L’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon has a novel-long list that includes the likes of Dom Pérignon Plenitude 3 1971, while at the Ritz-Carlton Pudong’s Flair Bar your glass of Gaja comes with sweeping views over Shanghai’s glittering nightscape.
For more quirky booze reads check out these hilarious (and sometimes downright naughty!) drinks names.