Huaguoshan Hawthorn Wine

Huaguoshan Hawthorn Wine

　　Huaguoshan Hawthorn Wine is a specialty of Xinpukou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. Made from premium hawthorn sourced from high-quality growing regions and meticulously brewed by master artisans, this wine boasts a sweet and fragrant taste without astringency. It features an intense fruity aroma, a full-bodied texture, and a mellow, well-balanced flavor. The lingering aftertaste leaves a refreshing sensation on the palate and is truly memorable. It has received numerous accolades, including the National Quality Product Silver Medal, the Gold Award at the China Food Expo, the Gold Award at the National Liquor Quality Competition, and the title of National Quality Product. It has become one of the most distinctive local products of Lianyungang City.

　　A Renowned Specialty of Lianyungang Since 1958

　　Hawthorn, also known as the “fruit of immortals,” contains nearly all the nutritional components found in fruits, including 17 types of amino acids (7 of which are essential for the human body), particularly a high level of Vitamin C — up to 89 grams, which is 17 times higher than that of apples and 30 times higher than pears. Its main components include hawthorn acid, flavonoids, and Vitamin C. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, hawthorn aids digestion, helps dissolve meat stagnation and accumulations, relieves phlegm and congestion, soothes acid reflux, and alleviates blood stasis and distension pain. As introduced in Hong Zhaoguang’s *Food is the Best Medicine*, hawthorn offers significant nutritional and medicinal value. Regular consumption of hawthorn products can stimulate appetite, aid digestion, prevent arteriosclerosis, and promote longevity — hence hawthorn is regarded as a “longevity food.”

　　Hawthorn wine, made primarily from hawthorn, allows the fruit’s nutrients to be fully released and more easily absorbed by the body, making it a natural and healthy beverage. The history of brewing wine with hawthorn dates back thousands of years. Professor Zhang Juzhong from the University of Science and Technology of China conducted carbon-14 dating tests on residues found on pottery shards from the Jiahu site in Henan, dating back 8,600 years, confirming that hawthorn was among the earliest fruits used in winemaking. The *Songyue Literature* records that during the time of the Yellow Emperor 5,000 years ago, there were descriptions of hawthorn wine production in the Laojun Cave of Songshan Mountain.

　　Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, commonly known as the “Home of Fruits and Flowers,” enjoys a cool and moist climate with distinct seasons, making it ideal for hawthorn growth. The Yuntai Mountain Range in Lianyungang is one of China’s famous premium hawthorn production areas. The hawthorns here are plump, have delicious flesh, and are rich in nutrients, making the region an excellent source of raw materials for hawthorn wine.

　　Located here, Lianyungang Kaiwei Winery Co., Ltd., formerly known as Lianyungang Winery, was established in 1958 and is one of the country’s longest-running wineries. The company is equipped with advanced technology and facilities, featuring complete production lines imported from Italy, Germany, and the United States. Its products have won multiple international gold awards, national gold and silver awards, and have been recognized as Jiangsu Famous Brand Products. Some items have even been exported to Japan, Russia, Southeast Asia, and other regions, earning a solid reputation. Over the decades, the company has continuously received care and support from leaders at all levels. Central and provincial officials, including Ji Pengfei, have visited the winery, spoken highly of its products, and even composed poems such as: “Since ancient times heroes love the house of wine; Lianyun Kaiwei’s fame spreads afar. Passion makes the spring breeze drunk — no need to visit Apricot Blossoms at Qingming.”

　　The company’s product, “Huaguoshan” brand hawthorn wine, has developed and improved over fifty years to achieve a unique taste and top-tier quality. Made from premium hawthorn sourced from high-quality growing regions and meticulously brewed by master artisans, it boasts a sweet and fragrant taste without astringency. It features an intense fruity aroma, a full-bodied texture, and a mellow, well-balanced flavor. The lingering aftertaste leaves a refreshing sensation on the palate and is truly memorable. It has been awarded the National Quality Product Silver Medal, the Gold Award at the China Food Expo, the Gold Award at the National Liquor Quality Competition, and the title of National Quality Product. It has become one of the most distinctive local products of Lianyungang City.