Australian winemakers have spent decades investing in their brands in China to win over Chinese consumers.

Bill Hardy is a fifth generation Australian winemaker who's NZ to judge the International Chardonnay Challenge in Gisborne.

The spree extends to primary production, with Chinese bidders buying into Australian winemakers, acquiring farms and bidding on dairy makers.

And in Adelaide's centre Old Reynella, named after an early South Australian winemaker has jumped 251 per cent from a media of $114,000 to $400,000.