Event Highlights · Click to Review
On the evening of September 16, 2024, the Guizhou Xijiu Mid-Autumn Tasting Dinner, co-hosted by Guizhou Xijiu and Sinocan Supply Inc., was grandly held at Vancouver’s Fortune Terrace Chinese Cuisine. Distinguished guests, including Hua Qian, President of the Vancouver Chinese Benevolent Association, Xiaomei Xue, Executive Chairman of the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations, Hua Niu, Executive President of the Canadian Community Service Association, and Hua Wang, President of the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce of North America, were present to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and experience the unique charm of Chinese Baijiu culture.
This event not only honored Xijiu’s rich traditions and exquisite craftsmanship but also brought a profound cultural experience to the Mid-Autumn celebrations of overseas friends. With a distinguished guest list and a lively atmosphere filled with the aroma of Baijiu, the event was a resounding success.
Mid-Autumn Greetings and Traditional Toast
The evening began with a warm welcome from the host, who shared heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival wishes with the guests. The host also introduced Xijiu’s unique traditional toast: “Xijiu, one, two, three, Gan!” The history and meaning of this toast were then explained in detail.
The toast originated from the chants of boatmen along the Chishui River, where they called out “one, two, three” in unison as they worked together to pull their boats. This simple phrase became a cultural symbol of the Xijiu region. Not only does it reflect the region’s historical roots, but it also embodies the dedication of the Xijiu team to quality and service.
Guest Speeches and Xijiu Cultural Insights
Following the introduction, the host welcomed Hua Wang, President of the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce of North America, and Lin Ma, General Manager of Sinocan Supply Inc., to give their speeches. Mr. Ma gave an in-depth overview of Xijiu’s brand history and its meticulous brewing process.
Hua Wang, President of the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce of North America, delivered the welcome speech.
Hua Niu, President of the Canadian Community Service Association (left), and Michael Li, Chairman of Huasheng Group (right).
Provincial Member of Parliament, Jackie Lee.
Bo Jiang, Director of the Office of the Canadian Community Service Association.
Xijiu, a specialty of Xishui County in Guizhou Province and a China National Geographical Indication Product, is made from locally sourced premium glutinous sorghum and wheat. It undergoes multiple steps, including two rounds of grain addition, eight rounds of fermentation, nine distillations, and a long storage process, resulting in a high-quality Maotai-flavored Baijiu.
In addition, Mr. Ma extended his warm Mid-Autumn greetings, expressing heartfelt wishes to the guests and encouraging everyone to fully enjoy the unique flavors of Xijiu during this festive occasion.
Xijiu Tasting: A Toast to the Full Moon
After learning more about the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Xijiu, the evening moved into the highly anticipated Xijiu 1988 Reserve Tasting. Under the bright full moon, guests raised their glasses and savored the rich and mellow taste of Xijiu.
The host then led the entire room in the Xijiu toast once again, inviting everyone to fill their glasses and shout together, “Xijiu, one, two, three, Gan!” With the collective cheer, everyone felt the deep cultural connection and tradition in that moment.
The Mid-Autumn Banquet: A Night of Unity and Joy
Following the tasting, the grand banquet began. Fortune Terrace Chinese Cuisine prepared an exquisite selection of Chinese dishes that paired perfectly with Xijiu. The harmonious blend of fine wine and delicious food delighted the guests, who enjoyed the feast to the fullest.
Accompanying the dinner was a captivating musical performance themed around Xijiu’s traditional toast. Singers dressed in traditional Miao ethnic attire took the stage, their beautiful voices reflecting the fusion of Guizhou’s minority culture and Baijiu traditions. The emotional songs, filled with a sense of homesickness, transported the guests to the scenic mountains and rivers of Guizhou.
As the evening drew to a close, the excitement reached its peak with the highly anticipated raffle. Xijiu prepared a collection of premium Xijiu 1988 Reserve gift sets, sending the lucky winners home with extraordinary prizes.
Ma Junqiang (left), Chairman of Sinocan Supply Inc., converses with Xue Haiqing (center), the president of the council of the Canadian Community Service Association, and Mrs. Xue (right) at the banquet.
Wang Hua (left), President of the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce of North America, Ma Junqiang (center), Chairman of Sinocan Supply Inc., and Ma Lin (right), General Manager of Sinocan Supply Inc.
At the end of the evening, all the guests gathered for a group photo with the hosts, marking the end of an unforgettable Mid-Autumn Tasting Dinner.
Together We Drink, Together We Celebrate Xijiu’s Cultural Heritage
This Mid-Autumn Tasting Dinner, co-hosted by Guizhou Xijiu and Sinocan Supply Inc., was not only an opportunity to enjoy fine wine and food but also a vibrant cultural exchange between China and Canada. Through the introduction of Xijiu’s unique toast and its deep-rooted traditions, guests developed a deeper appreciation for Xijiu and experienced the profound richness of Chinese Baijiu culture.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, Guizhou Xijiu brought warmth and joy to Vancouver, allowing distant guests to feel the love and blessings from China. Along with the fragrance of Xijiu, the evening delivered a message of reunion and conveyed the deep cultural heritage of Chinese Baijiu.
Looking ahead, Sinocan Supply Inc. eagerly anticipates further collaborations with Guizhou Xijiu, working together to promote Chinese Baijiu culture globally. Together, we will continue to share the unique charm of Xijiu with the world, writing new chapters of cultural exchange and connection!