From coal mine baron to wine buff

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2011-08-18

From coal mine baron to wine buff

A worker moves oak barrels in a cellar of Rongzi Chateau in Xiangning county of Linfen city, North China’s Shanxi province on Aug 15, 2011. The owner of the chateau, Zhang Wenquan, used to be a coal mine boss with total assets worth around 2 billion yuan. Zhang said he made the change as Ningxiang county’s geography and soil are suitable for grape growing, and investment in wine is a better economic development plan. The chateau was established two years ago with nearly 250 million yuan in initial funding. Its annual maximal production stands at 5,000 tons and he plans to enter the market by the end of 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]