Imagine a winery where the land is treated as a long-term partner, people are hired for the long run, and every bottle comes with a sense of purpose. That’s Mystic Island Winery in Penglai, Shandong, founded by Rita and KC Kung, where regenerative agriculture isn’t a marketing buzzword. It’s the mission.

Since 2008, Rita and her team have grown Mystic Island from a vision into a living ecosystem: a thriving vineyard that turns QiuShan Valley into a place of work, learning, and sustainable cultivation. By 2019, the winery released its first vintage, while continuing to prioritize meaningful opportunities for local communities.

Wine with a conscience: Rita’s “local spirit” leadership

Rita’s approach to leadership is straightforward: build something that benefits the village, the workforce, and the environment. Mystic Island provides stable jobs for local farmers, helps bring younger workers back to the countryside, and empowers women through business opportunities, creating real workforce resilience, not short-term labour.

Rita also recruited specialists from Canada and New Zealand, bringing outside expertise to strengthen farming and winemaking practices, while keeping the focus on cultural exchange and learning as the vineyard grows.

And because “nature conservation” and “sustainable farming” are core missions, not optional extras, Mystic Island works to minimize its ecological footprint and to support a healthier, biodiversity-friendly landscape through regenerative agriculture.

YIHU Chardonnay Reserve: natural yeast + award-winning charisma

It’s the bottle people keep coming back to. YIHU Chardonnay Reserve is crafted using natural yeasts, letting the character of the valley (and the fruit) speak clearly. It’s not just loved, it’s been recognized across major competitions, including standout honours such as Best Wine from China, Best Chardonnay, Double Gold, Trophy, Green Award, and more. In other words: this isn’t “good for a Chinese Chardonnay.” It’s simply good wine, with proof.

A victory worthy of a toast: Winery of the Year (2026)

Mystic Island Winery’s impact isn’t only felt in the vineyard; it’s recognized by industry experts too.In 2026, Mystic Island Winery received Winery of the Year by Bettane & Desseauve, a major milestone that reflects both craft and character, both quality and values.

An Education Destination

Rita is proud of Mystic Island’s villa and guest centre, designed to welcome students and visitors into hands-on learning: viticulture, winemaking, and nature conservation. This is where the winery becomes a classroom, where wine, art, music, and sustainability can grow side by side.

Because Rita’s dream is bigger than grapes and glassware. It’s about cultivating people, knowledge, and the natural world together.

Mystic Island Winery: where every pour is a story of regenerative agriculture, community care, and award-winning excellence.