Women wine drinkers are on the increase... and they know what they like. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports.

THERE was a time when the relationship between women and wine was typefied by Bridget Jones swigging down a bottle of Chardonnay in an attempt to drown the sorrows of her singleton existence. Not any more. Women, very often young women, are drinking wine in increasing numbers, and they're often far more discerning than men. They can select a fine bottle from a wine list, know exactly what to serve with dinner and can stand up to even the most snobbish sommelier.

Terry Farr, who owns The Cheese and Wine Shop in Darlington's Clark's Yard, has noticed far more female customers coming through the door during the last year or so, and what's more, he says they know what they want.

"A lot of men come in and buy something because they think it's what they should be buying, not because it tastes nice. Women are much more open. They seem to be more willing to try something different and while men usually stick to traditional wines, say from France, women often go for New World wines, especially Australians.

"I think the New World appeals to them because it is a bit different. It's aimed at a modern person, not just women but men as well, who are maybe new to wine."

Having said that, the world of wine is still dominated by men. While there are some female wine makers and wine merchants, the pinstriped suit brigade still prevails.

Karen Taylor is Liberty Wines' sales executive for Scotland and North-East England. She's has been with the London-based company for 18 months, although she's been in the wine trade for 11 years.

"My mother had a cheese and wine shop and that's how I first became interested," she says. She travels across the region, selling wine to wide range of customers, including independent shops, hotels and restaurants.

"It gradually became a passion and I've worked for several wine merchants, although I'm one of only a few female reps. There are more women in the PR or promotions side of the trade but wine is still very much a man's world. I've never had any problems because I'm a woman and I just get on with things, although with all the travelling and long hours, I can see how it would be difficult for someone with a family."

As well as wine professionals, the number of female wine drinkers is growing rapidly. With that in mind, a new book, Wine: A Woman's Guide, is published this month. It furnishes women with all the knowledge and expertise they need to take control of what they buy and drink.

It is written by Kitty Johnson, the daughter of best-selling wine author Hugh Johnson and has been steeped in the world of wine-making and tasting since she was tiny, being dragged around vineyards by her father during school holidays.

Kitty says: "Wine consumption in the UK is soaring. We are now drinking 60 per cent more wine than we were ten years ago. As a recent market study carried out by Vinexpo explained, 'there is an emergence of two important groups of new wine drinkers - women and young people.'

"Women are becoming more involved in choosing, buying and knocking back wine - whether it be home alone, ladies lunching, a posh frock event, or a night out ending face down on the pavement.

"There are more women wine makers, more women wine buyers and more women wine drinkers than ever before. What's more, I am proud to say that women have been scientifically proven to be better qualified than men to taste wine. In the mid-90's findings at the University of Grenoble showed that women have a genetic tendency towards a great number of tastebuds and a greater concentration of scent receptors.

"So, move over men and make way for the wine-thirsty women of today."

The book focuses on the issues that are important to the fairer sex without being frivolous. What kind of wine is suitable to give as a present? Which wine suits Indian or Oriental food? Does drinking wine make a difference to my weight? I'm four months pregnant, can I have the odd glass?

It guides the reader through different types of wine on offer, explains the jargon and offers advice on how to serve it from the ideal temperature to with what food. But there is also information aimed specifically at the female drinker - tips on what to drink at social events, whether a hen night, engagement party of christening, as well as information on where to buy and how to lay down your precious bottles. These are often things men take for granted or simply aren't interested in.

Karen says: "I think it's a great idea. Women are much more interested in wine than they were a few years ago but they still have a bit of catching up to do."