A new Bill could help protect Central Otago's brand of internationally-acclaimed pinot noir.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith last week introduced a Bill to Parliament which would give legal recognition that a wine or spirit came from a certain area.
The Bill would amend the 2006 Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill, which was passed but never put into practice.
Central Otago Wine Association president James Dicey said the law would give important protection to the Central Otago pinot noir brand which growers had put a lot of money and effort into promoting.
In 2003, Central Otago Pinot Noir Ltd was established with the sole purpose of promoting the wine variety.
The organisation spent about $2.5million in the last 10 years promoting the brand, he said.
''This has enabled Central Otago pinot noir to have the best reputation in the country.''
The Consumer Guarantees Act provides protection within New Zealand for companies falsely claiming their wine is from a certain region.
This Bill would do the same on an international level.
''It stops people over in Bulgaria claiming they are selling Central Otago wines,'' Mr Dicey said.
Similar laws exist overseas for products such as Champagne, which must be produced in the Champagne region of France, and tequila, which must be made in certain regions of Mexico.
New Zealand Winegrowers board chairman Steve Green said the Bill would provide security for wine regions such as Central Otago, Marlborough and Wairarapa going into an international market.
Last year, the New Zealand wine industry won a four-year legal battle with Australian supermarket giant Woolworths against it trademarking the name ''South Island'' for one of its wine brands.
