The public's appetite for fine wine will continue to grow in 2011, driven by greater affordability and a wider variety of choice, according to industry commentators.

Doug Shafer of Napa Valley's Shafer Vineyards said consumers in the US are becoming more adventurous with their choices rather than sticking to tried-and-tested brands, the Associated Press reports.

Some will be looking to imports from Argentina, Chile, Portugal and wines from the Rhone in France, such as Chateauneuf du Pape.

"As the economy continues to rebound consumers will be looking for flavour and value, and these countries are providing them," wine authors Karen Page and Andrew Dornernburg told the news provider.

The pair also expect Riesling to see a surge in popularity, alongside Oregon pinot gris and Spanish albarino.

Recently, Decanter reported that fine wine lovers in China are also diversifying beyond the usual Bordeaux bottles and are looking at Burgundies and Rhone wines, according to a number of merchants.