wine boom in China

Since last year when consumption of Wine (putaojiu) in Shanghai beats Baijiu(Chinese hard liquor) for the first time in history, wine drinking is catching fire everywhere in China.

In Beijing, cooking association and a French company jointly offer a class on French wine, in which an instructor teaches you how to appreciate, drink and serve. Not surprisingly, more women present in the class than man, Is that　girly to drink Wine? Especially in vast areas north of Shanghai, man think drinking means you drink Baijiu or Pijiu(beer). And beer drinking becomes popular not over 15 years ago.

In Xinjiang, where best grapes grow, a local winery has brought a French winemaker on board, one executive said that they realize how competitive the market is, with abundance of cheap wines from Chile, South Africa, etc, but they also aim American market.