California Grapes International (CGI), a provider of full service export, marketing, promotions, distribution and sales for the CA Wine Industry, has secured its purchase orders and distribution channels of California wines in Southern China to increase its revenue by over $1m in 2013.

The deal was finalised after the California wine delegation’s tour of Guangzhou-China, which was sponsored by California Wine Institute, the Agriculture Trade Office and the Perl River Delta American Wine Import Association.

The wine tour was mainly intended to promote California wines in Hong Kong and Chinese markets, which have seen a steady growth of Californian wines recently.

The total US wine exports, which included 90% from California, rose to $1.39bn in 2011, an increase by 22% compared to the previous year.

Hong Kong took the third spot after European Union and Canada as California’s largest export market with revenues of $163m in 2011, up 39% compared to previous year.

Other Asian markets such as Japan reported growth of 39% to $105m, China posted growth of 42% to $62m, Vietnam recorded growth of 266% to $21m and South Korea reported growth of 13% to $13m.

CGI executive vice president and chairman Frank Yglesias said it was an honor to represent Schug’s Winery and have the support of Schug’s Winery winemaker Walter Schug.

"The Pinot Nior was in a class of its own, only rivaled by its world class Chardonnay," Yglesias added.

"Like always, our unsung hero; the Guangzhou ATO office under the leadership of Mr. Jorge Sanchez has been instrumental in the marketing and awareness of American wines in China, they have worked diligently throughout the last couple of years to bring the taste of American to China."