A number of "Bordeaux Bars" are set to open in London, as the region battles to save many of the smaller vineyards from financial ruin.

According to Christophe Chateau, communications director for the Interprofessional Council of Bordeaux Wine (CIVB), many smaller winemakers are struggling to survive in light of stagnating prices and shrinking demand for Bordeaux, the Australian reports.

This is in stark contrast to the continued success of the First Growth Bordeaux labels, such as Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Latour, which continue to benefit from demand from Asian investors.

Values of the top brands have escalated to such a degree that 1982 Chateau Lafite Rothschild is now worth eight times its weight in silver.

The CIVB therefore wants London to be one of five major cities to open a Bordeaux Bar, where fine wine from across the region will be on sale to discerning drinkers.

Mr Chateau told the publication: "We need to show people that you can get excellent value for money from Bordeaux.

"In restaurants, people often avoid Bordeaux because they think it will be too expensive."