China

China, vast Asian country with its own indigenous vine species (see vitis) but a relatively short modern tradition of growing vinifera grapes to make wine. In a remarkably short time, however, it has emerged as a major global wine force, with the world’s fourth largest vineyard area and fifth largest wine production level in 2012 according to oiv statistics. Consumption doubled between 2006 and 2012, and is overwhelmingly (more than 80%) satisfied by domestic production.

1. McGovern, P. E., ‘Fermented beverages of pre- and proto-historic China’, The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 101/51 (2004), 17593–8.
2. www.grapewallofchina.com