Pearl Red's legacy harks back to 9,000 years ago in Jiahu, within the Central Plains of ancient China, where the world’s oldest wine was discovered. This region, heralded as the cradle of Han culture, epitomizes the pure essence of Chinese civilization, free from external influences. The Han culture's rich traditions would travel through time and space with the Hakka people, who migrated from the Central Plains to the south during times of war. Settling in Meizhou, Guangdong, they established what is today recognized as the global capital for Hakka culture.

The Legacy of Pearl Red

The name "Pearl Red" was first immortalized by the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907) poet Li He in his poem “Jiang Jin Jiu.” He beautifully describes "a rich amber liquor, trickling drop by drop from a tiny wooden vat, each gleaming red like pearls, into a bell-shaped glass goblet" portraying Pearl Red wine as a luxurious and rare beverage of its time. This representation was further affirmed in the "Poetry Talks Collection" compiled by Song Dynasty (960 to 1279) lyricist Ruan Yue. In its 49th chapter under the food and drink section, Ruan Yue elaborates on the prestige of various wines, specifically mentioning the 'pearl red' as an exemplar of esteemed wines, known for its unique color and quality across Guangdong and Fujian Province.

By the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), particularly during the Jiajing period, Pearl Red had ascended to the esteemed status of a royal tribute wine. Historical records, such as the "Memorandum of Thanks for the Gift of New Year's Eve Wine," detail how on the eve of the fourteenth year of Jiajing, Emperor Jiajing bestowed two bottles of "Pearl Red" wine upon Xia Yan, the Minister of Rites, showcasing its venerated status and ceremonial significance during royal occasions.