China wine industry expanding quickly

China is already the sixth-biggest grower of grapes, although not all are used to produce wines. But wine drinking – the fastest-growing market in the world – and vine growing is expanding at an extraordinary rate in modern China, so it may not be long before Great Wall Syrah finds its way into our supermarket shelves. The main potential area for production of European-style wines, using familiar grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is around Beijing in the north-east, particular the Shandong peninsula with its maritime climate. Some French brands, such as Remy Martin, Pernod Ricard and the Italian group, Saronno, have been involved in joint ventures and more are likely to follow as China opens up the world.

What to drink: Dragon Seal, Great Wall and Grand Dragon are the labels to look for in Chinese supermarkets for a guaranteed ice-breaker at your next dinner party.