Canaan Winery represents a pioneering vision in Chinese winemaking, born from an ambitious experiment to prove that European grape varietals could thrive in and even take on a new life in China. Conceived in 1997 as a collaborative project between the Chinese and French governments, the project began in 2001 as the "China French Grape Farm Project", now known as ‘Domaine Franco Chinois’, when land close to Beijing was identified as ideal terroir for its location nestled between the Yan and Taihang mountain ranges and access to a robust reservoir. In 2010, a successful businesswoman named Cher Wang acquired the still-fledgling project and brought collaborators from around the world to transform the experimental vineyards into a world-class winery. Today, Canaan operates two distinct brands that showcase different winemaking philosophies. Domaine Franco Chinois represents the estate's premium, small-production line, crafting only 40,000-50,000 bottles annually in an Old World style with mostly blended wines from their most exceptional vineyard sites. Chapter & Verse, named after a Du Fu poem dedicated to Li Bai, takes a more experimental, New World-inspired approach focused on single varietal expressions but also nurturing innovative projects (like their "Book of Balance" series separating out their different Pinot Noir clones). Under the direction of winemaker Zhao De Sheng, one of the first Chinese winemakers trained in France in the 2000s, Canaan follows Burgundian vineyard management principles while maintaining sustainable practices across their five vineyard areas. With meticulous canopy management, hand-harvesting, and careful attention to the estate's diverse microclimates, Canaan has established itself as a leader in Chinese fine wine, bringing the contemporary history of Chinese winemaking forward into its next chapter.