(Guardian) - As a reflection of shifting economic fortunes, it takes some beating. Christie's auction house is opening the world's first estate agency for wealthy Chinese people who don't merely want to buy the finest vintages by the bottle, they want to own their own vineyards.

Vineyards by Christie's International Real Estate – the "first global advisory for buyers of vineyard estates" – is opening in Hong Kong, staffed by fine wine experts and property specialists to offer "a discreet consultative service for clients looking to acquire vineyards in the world's most sought-after wine regions".

The auction house explained that the move was "conceived to meet demand from clients at Christie's wine auctions in Hong Kong requesting expert advice in purchasing overseas vineyard properties".

The Chinese have developed a taste for the finest French wines and their extensive buying power has been credited with pushing prices for certain vintages to record levels.