Yiyao-Wu
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

I am a reporter with an English-language newspaper based in Shanghai, covering a wide range of business topics including luxury, lifestyle, real-estate, wealth management and the retail market. Throughout these topics, it is very clear “Wine” has become a keyword.

Consumption of wines has been surging in the past years and market has been observing a growing thirst for wine knowledge and “investment” opportunities. Celebrities and wealthy people from China are buying chateaux in France; wine importers are opening outlets nationwide, making people believe that wines are good for health; Sauvignon Blanc has been replacing rice liquors on the tables at wedding banquets in many cities.

The wine industry has become an often-discussed topic – as a reporter, I find nothing better than a systematic educational course that will help me to understand “wine” as an industry. And as a keen diner and (responsible) drinker, I find nothing better than a course that lets me to taste tens of wines (including some of world’s best and most expensive ones) that helps me to understand and enjoy wine and spirits, which are among the best things in life.

With some basic knowledge, strong interests and no professional training in wine sector, I’m looking forward to the WSET Level 2 course, which will allow me and people who wish to become a knowledgeable drinkers to look behind the label and to be exposed to multitude of varieties, regions and characters. I am looking forward to the course and hope it will be a journey that develops my senses!

Interested in studying for a WSET qualification like Yiyao? Learn more here.

Ningxia from Decanter Magazines

Ningxia has been tipped as China's most promising fine wine region
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Conditions and Growing Environment – Factors that influence wine – WSET Level 2

USA-California-Sonoma-County-Flowers-Vineyard-Winery-Camp.jpg

Flowers Vineyard & Winery, Sonoma County, California.
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Chardonnay Grape – Climatic, Winery Influence, Most important regions – WSET Level 2

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes

Merlot - Pomerol, Vieux Chateau Certan sorting grapes
(Image credit: credit Clay M)

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Grapes – Climate, Production, Regions – WSET Level 2

Decoding wine labels Common wine labelling terms - Wine Labels

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Rest of the World – Common Wine Labelling Terms – WSET Level 2

extreme wines

extreme wines
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Australia – Wine Label terms showing quality – WSET Level 2

Spirits

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Learning about Spirits in China – WSET Level 2

In China, many consumers’ first drop of alcohol spirit will date back to his, or her, early childhood...

Yiyao Wu
Yiyao Wu
Decanter Magazine, Wine Journalist

Yiyao Wu is a reporter for an English-language newspaper based in Shanghai. She covers a wide range of business topics, including luxury, lifestyle, real-estate, retail and wealth management. For Decanter and its sister website DecanterChina, she wrote a series documenting her Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 studies – with particular focus on Chinese spirits, and wine pairing with Chinese food.