Down-to-earth approach adds to the sparkle

The setting for the seventh annual wine event the Grape Wall Challenge, in the TRB Bites restaurant in Beijing, overlooking the Forbidden City, could not have been better chosen.

The superb views seemed to say "Anyone can enjoy this", perfectly distilling the spirit of the event, which encourages consumers not only to have their own opinions on wines, but to feel free to air them as well, unlike at many events in which the jargon-filled talk of wine educators, enthusiasts and writers leaves all but a few intimidated and silent.

Since 2009 organizers of the Grape Wall Challenge have invited Chinese who are casual wine drinkers, for example those who may imbibe once or twice a month and who have never taken professional wine classes, to be the judges. It tends toward wines that are inexpensive and easy to find, sold not just in wine shops but supermarkets too.