Vinexpo, the wine exhibition organisers, have produced a report saying that within three years China could overtake Australia in wine production. Within 10 years, Chinese

bottles could be readily found on European supermarket shelves including those in France.

The new industry report has shown that soaring growth in the number of Chinese vineyards (600 vineyards largely producing relatively low-quality wine) is likely to help the country leap from tenth to sixth place by 2014 – representing an astounding 77 per cent rise in output.

Experts say the vast majority of its wine – which is mostly red – will continue to be consumed in the country as increasing prosperity there increases demand for what is still seen as a luxury.

In 2009 China produced 72million cases (28 per cent up on 2008) and if growth continues at the same rate, the country will be expected to produce 128 million cases in 2014, compared to Australia’s forecast of 121million.

Although the average consumption per head in China is still very low compared to Western countries, demand for wine is rising fast and through its population of 1.3 billion, it could easily become the world’s biggest market.

The chairman of Vinexpo told the British trade magazine The Grocer that “40 years ago the US was in a similar position as China in terms of production and China could replicate the US.

“Its growth will trigger joint ventures and foreign investment and Chinese wine could ‘potentially’ be accepted in Europe. It will take time but drinking Chinese wine at a French dinner table could happen,” he added.