China set to seize Bordeaux's wine crown

Will China dominate wine production?

China is set to become the largest wine producer in the world and has the potential to match the best Bordeaux can offer, says Berry Bros & Rudd.

China will lead world wine production by 2058, says Berrys in its Future of Wine report, published on Friday.

And the country, currently with 400 wineries, has all the ingredients to rival the fine wine greats of Bordeaux, the prestigious UK merchant house believes.

“It is entirely conceivable that, in such a vast country, there will be pockets of land with a terroir and micro-climate well suited to the production of top quality wines," says Jasper Morris MW in the report.

China`s problem is its lack of experts, according to Alun Griffiths MW, but he adds: “If good people from wine producing countries think there is opportunity to make wine in China, they will go there and invest."

Berrys believes China will lead a new wave of wine countries in the 21st Century, nicknamed the ‘new new world’ and including Canada, India and several in Eastern Europe.

Climate change means the UK sparkling wine will also feature more prominently, if supported by domestic drinkers.

Berrys`  report also predicts the rise of floating vineyards out at sea, vast industrial vineyards using genetically modified grapes and the demise of Australia to the level of “niche” producer.