Winter wine, or Dongniangjiu (冬酿酒) is on sale as from today. The special drink is priced at RMB5.2 yuan per 500 ml or 20 yuan each barrel (1.5 L).
The sweet yellow wine, low in alcohol as its ABV is 2% to 4%, is only brewed once a year before the Winter Solstice (December 21 this year), and has a short shelf life of some ten days. Its basic ingredients are glutinous rice, osmanthus flowers and water. It is customary for Suzhou locals to have a reunion dinner with their family on Winter Solstice's Eve, and winter wine is absolutely indispensable.
You can purchase the wine from the shops of Yuandachang on Gongxiang Lane, Jinmen Road, Nanhuan Street and Dongbei Street, or from the many supermarkets across the city. Give it a shot!
