Palacios brothers expand their presence in China through EMW
Rafael and Álvaro Palacios have reached separate agreements with EMW Fine Wines. The Chinese importer is adding Godello from Valdeorras and red wines from Priorat, Rioja and Bierzo to its portfolio, against a backdrop of declining Chinese imports of Spanish wine.
East Meets West Fine Wines announced the arrangements on 20 October. The terms of the 2 agreements differ: the company becomes the exclusive importer and distributor for Rafael Palacios in Greater China, while for Álvaro Palacios it becomes one of the official importers in mainland China. According to Vino Joy News, Links Concept continues to represent Álvaro’s wines in Hong Kong and Macau.1 · 2
Whites and reds from different regions
Rafael Palacios launched his own project in Galicia in 2004. He specialises in the local white grape Godello and high-altitude sites in the Bibei Valley within the Valdeorras appellation. EMW’s published portfolio lists Louro, As Sortes, Sorte Antiga and Sorte O Soro.1
Álvaro Palacios is associated above all with the revival of Priorat, where he began working in 1989. EMW’s list includes, among others, Finca Dofí and La Baixada from Priorat, Las Lamas from Bierzo and Quiñón de Valmira from Rioja. The agreements therefore cover several Spanish wine regions and different wine styles.1
Reaching buyers at a difficult time
According to the importer, its network spans more than 160 Chinese cities. Its sales channels include restaurants, hotels, specialist shops and private clients. For the wineries, this broadens the opportunities to present their wines in the local market.1
The deal comes amid a decline in shipments. Citing Chinese customs statistics, Vino Joy News reports that from January to September 2026, Spanish wine imports fell by 21.2% in volume and 17.2% in value. These figures cover all imports from Spain and do not identify the results of individual wineries.2
A focus on wine origin
EMW chief executive Oscar Nagore links the new agreements to interest among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts in specific vineyards and the origin of each bottle. In his assessment, demand for age-worthy white wines and single-vineyard Spanish reds creates opportunities for both producers. This is the importer’s assessment and remains to be tested through sales; the available reports do not disclose quantitative shipment plans.2
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
