▲ GEUMYONG WINERY / CEO Jeon In-ki

Wine consumption is steadily increasing. In particular, consumers＊ interest in domestic wines is growing, and a variety of domestic wines with regional characteristics are being released. Among these, GEUMYONG WINERY＊s (CEO Jeon In-ki) ＆MIR ATTO＊, which captures the excellence of Chungcheongbuk-do＊s Yeongdong grapes, is gaining popularity among wine lovers as it is not only well suited to Korean tastes, but is also recognized as having raised the quality of domestic wine.

Modern facilities and the best wine production in the region

The Yeongdong region has a large daily temperature difference and a lot of sunlight, so the fruits produced here have excellent taste and aroma. Because it has optimal natural conditions, many grape farm-type wineries are located here. Among them, GEUMYONG WINERY produces the best wine. Located in Yongsan-myeon, the company is equipped with the best wine production facilities and modern facilities in the region, and has introduced the wine brand ‘MIR ATTO’ that captivates consumers’ palates, spreading the unique taste of Korean wine across the country. “MIR ATTO,” ‘a gift of the dragon’ in Korean, means ‘wine made from high-quality grapes grown in Yongsan-myeon is like a gift from the dragon.’ The wines are made in a step-by-step fermentation process in a hygienic and clean workspace using carefully selected Campbell Early, Cheongsu grapes grown by CEO Jeon In-ki and Shine Muscat and Delaware grapes from farmers in the Youngdong region. These wines bring out the unique flavors and aromas of the grapes, and are considered by wine lovers to be wines of exceptional depth. Jeon’s wine is the culmination of 12 years of winemaking know-how and relentless research efforts. Since its establishment in 2013, Jeon has acquired advanced winemaking technology through brewing technology cooperation with Bellatri Oenological Institute in Italy, the home of wine, and a wine expert course at the Department of Wine and Fermented Food at Youngdong University. Recently, he has been consulted by a renowned wine sommelier in Korea and succeeded in achieving a certain wine taste. As a result of these efforts, GEUMYONG WINERY won the Diamond Prize (Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister’s Prize) at the 10th and 11th Korea Wine Awards in 2023-2024. In the 11th competition, the company also received the highest score in the System Facilities/Equipment category. Jeon gained knowledge and know-how about fermentation yeast from his kimchi production business for the past 15 years, and recognizing that hygiene and cleanliness are important factors for success in the food business. He incorporated the experience he gained and the grape juice fermentation technology he acquired into his current winery system. 

Shine Musket Sparkling Wine is a top seller, offering a refreshing, sweet drink that’s easy on the palate 

The company produces eight wines of the highest quality, including red, white, Shine Musket sparkling, rosé, and spirits, reflecting the diverse needs of consumers. The best-selling product is the Shine Musket Sparkling Wine, which won the Diamond Prize in 2023. The wine has a refreshing, fruity flavor with a good balance of sugar and acidity, and is highly popular among domestic wine consumers. In particular, a limited edition of 2,000 bottles of the tree-shaped wine was released for the Christmas season and sold out in record time. The company has also obtained a design patent for a tree-shaped wine bottle. “Shine Musket Sparkling is a favorite among young and old alike because it’s easy to drink, even for those who don’t like imported wines” says Jeon.  

Great flavors, affordable prices, and a wine that’s as easy to drink as soju and beer

Consumers who try MIR ATTO are attracted by its smooth, clean taste and intoxicated by its unique grape aroma. Most importantly, the price is reasonable for the quality. “I wanted Koreans to feel as comfortable buying and enjoying wine as they do soju or beer, so I sold it at an affordable price and used a simple screwcap rather than an uncomfortable corkscrew” says Jeon.  The wines are sold at NAVER Smart Store and other distributors, as well as local food stores or wine tunnels in Yeongdong. “Currently, only 3% of wine in South Korea is domestically produced. With the influx of cheap imported wines, it is difficult to break through the niche, but there is plenty of room for growth for Korean wines that utilize our unique characteristics. I will continue to do my best to make Korean wines that consumers can enjoy and feel comfortable drinking by continuously releasing wines with the best flavor and competitive prices” says Jeon.