The first China Dalian International Wine & Dine Festival will be held in mid- July in the northeastern coastal city.

The festival aims to become China’s most influential wine festival, providing a commercial platform for wine and promoting the wine culture in China, said Yi Jun, director of the Dalian Tourism Administration.

Vintners from France, Italy, Spain, America, and Australia as well as domestic producers and sellers will exhibit their wine at the festival, according to Yang Weidong, president of Dalian Haichang Land Limited, a co-organizer of the festival.

“We build the festival as not only a professional exhibition but also a city gala for local residents and tourists,” Yang introduced at a wine tasting party on Saturday.

The organizing committee will set up various activities for the general public, such as experiencing the process of wine-making, learning how to taste wine, and creating special paintings on wine bottles, Yang said.

The festival is hosted by Dalian Municipal Government, China Tourism Association, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Bordeaux, Dalian Haichang Group and some other institutions.