Chinese wine drinkers are now switching their attention from Bordeaux to other popular regions, it is claimed.

Joan Kautz, vice-president of international operations for her family's vineyards in Lodi, told the Miami Herald that the average Chinese drinker has come a long way since cutting fine wine with Coca-Cola 15 years ago.

With affluent Asian families being drawn back into the world of fine wine by the big Bordeaux labels such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Latour, they are now becoming more aware of different kinds of wine.

"Now the Chinese market isn't just about expensive French wines," Ms Mrutz told the publication.

"Their taste preferences have evolved … they're internet-savvy, they're reading up and wanting to embrace Western culture."

This echoes comments made the head of Sotheby's Asia division, Patti Wong, who believes that Burgundy estates such as Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Chassagne Montrachet are the new favourites among Chinese drinkers.