Big names in the wine industry such as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Dom Perignon announced today that they will pursue investments in China's rural areas. This announcement came after Beijing accused the European wine industry of dumping in the country.

According to observers in the local market, Chinese shelves only contain cheap and low quality wines compared to those in other markets. The French investors said they will partner with local producers to create products which are higher level, targeting China's expanding upper class and elite sector.

A single bottle of French wine currently sells for over US$100 or more, depending on the brand and age. French companies said that they were hoping to sell top tier Chinese wines to wealthy drinkers, similar to Europe.

"China deserves the production of great wines," said the president of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Christophe Salin. He owns the famous Chateau Lafite brand currently circulating the French market.