The US is now the world's leading wine market by volume, according to the latest figures from Vinexpo and International Wine and Spirit Research.

Edging ahead of Italy and France, US consumption reached 311.3 million nine-litre cases in 2011 – the equivalent of 3.735 billion bottles. The report also predicts that US consumption should grow by ten per cent in the next four years.

However, the big mover on the list is, predictably, China. It has now displaced the UK in the top five with wine consumption growing 33.4 per cent in 2011, while growth over the next four years is expected to be 54.3 per cent.

"These figures show why every producer is now thinking 'China, China, China'," said Vinexpo chief executive Robert Beynat.

Charles Curtis, head of wine for Christie's in Asia, claimed recently that Burgundy is the "next big thing" for the growing number of Chinese wine enthusiasts.