Preserving wine in wine cellars is a common practice in China, and glass bottle manufacturers face the challenge of ensuring the longevity of wines. Various factors, including air temperature, wine packaging, alcohol content, and storage environment, can significantly influence the preservation of wines. Among these factors, the packaging method plays a crucial role. Currently, wine packaging is primarily divided into ceramics (such as cans and altars) and glass bottles.
Traditionally, many local wine workshops in China used ceramic jars to store wine, contributing to the rich wine culture that has developed over thousands of years. Some renowned wineries also utilize ceramic altars for aging wine, earning a reputation for producing exceptional cellar wines. However, the firing process of ceramic containers may lead to leaks over time, affecting the wine’s quality and posing handling challenges.
In 1953, during China’s first five-year plan, food, sugar, oil, cloth, and packaging materials were designated as planned commodities that must be distributed by national companies, including supply and marketing agencies and tobacco and alcohol companies. As a result, glass bottles naturally became the preferred choice for wine packaging. Glass containers offer significant advantages over ceramics as they do not leak, are easy to store, and facilitate convenient handling. Consequently, glass bottles became widely adopted. Brands like Fen Jiu, Luzhou Laojiao, and Guojiao Maotai transitioned to using glass bottles in the 1950s and 1960s, and this practice continues today.
While glass bottles may not be the perfect packaging solution for wine, they possess unmatched qualities due to their material and manufacturing process, making them the preferred and cost-effective choice for wine and sparkling wine producers.