Origin of “Fine Brandy”
In 1896,Baron M. VonBabo, the deputy consul of the Consulate of Austro-Hungary inCHEFOO(the former name of Yantai) volunteeredin Changyu to be its firstgenerationof enologist.
Baron M. VonBabo, arenownednobility of Austro-Hungary, wasbornin a winemaking family. His father was a very famous wine expert in Europe, who invented“KMW”which is also used for dividing wine grade in Austria today.
Baron M. VonBabostudied making wine from his father, who also held the winemaking certificate granted by Austro-Hungary. Maybe the diplomatist had leisure life, so thisnoblejunior from a winemaking family frequently itched to exercise his skill. Changyu Company was near the consulate where he worked, which provided a goodopportunityfor him to distinguish himself.
Baron M. VonBabowas out of the ordinary as expected. After he worked in Changyu, he and Zhang Bishi’s nephew Zhang Chengqing, the general manager of Changyu, importedgrapevinesfrom Europe and supervised the construction of the grandundergroundcellar. 15 kinds of wine products includingMoon Brandy, Red Rose and White Rose in different processes with district characteristics became fashionable for a time quickly. The pleasure of success madeBaron M. VonBabofind thefavorableposition for the use of his skills. So he set the office in Changyu and dealt with the diplomatic affairs while made wine. BecauseBaron M. VonBaboheld the post of consulate in Chefoo, the national flag of Austro-Hungary was hanged on Changyu Company’stablet. The passersbywere very puzzled about this, which was one of the numerous legends left bythe centenaryChangyu.
On December 6, 1914, Zhang Bishi who was over the seventy years of age led a Chinese delegation consisting of more than 40 people to participate in“Panama Pacific International Exposition”inSan Francisco, the USA from Shanghai after over 20-day trip by steamer. In that exposition,Koyac Brandy,Vermouth, Red Rose Wine and Riesling White Wine of China’s Changyu won four Gold Awards. ChangyuKoyac Brandywas renamed to Changyu Fine Brandy since then.
On thecelebration party, Zhang Bishi said: “All are proud things full ofmiracles on this grand banquet at a glance.”The previously well-known Chinese cuisine, the internationally renowned Chinese porcelain and famous Chinese wine winning gold award globally are all unparalleled. The Chinese are amazing. As long as we work hard and aim high, thelatecomerswill surpass the formers and the Chinese products will be theworld famous brands!”