Mystery Creek Wines has added China to its export list with confirmation that an order for 112 cases will be sent to Beijing before Christmas.

Company managing director Garry Major made contact with Hamilton-based Chinese importer Samuel Sun at an export forum at Waikato University recently.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to get into what is a huge and largely untested market,” Major said.

“Samuel says our fruity white wines are ideally suited to the Chinese palate but the proof of this will be how successful we are at getting our wine onto the restaurant tables.”

The wines being exported are the Syrah Rose, Waikato Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Waikato Pinot Noir.

Mystery Creek Wines already exports to Australia, Europe and the US and is sold in supermarkets and fine wine shops throughout New Zealand.

The Hamilton company produces a wide range of wines both from its own 4ha vineyard and from contract growers in the Waikato, Gisborne, Auckland and Marlborough.

Last month the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay won a silver medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show, the largest of its type in the country, while four other wines picked up bronze medals.