Felton Road winery is pushing for a proposed law change after its riesling missed out on the European market by 0.01% alcohol volume.
Felton Road's 8.44% alcohol 2015 Riesling was prevented from being sold to Europe because of European Union (EU) trade regulations which state still wine must be at least 8.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter said laws allowed rounding to the nearest 10th of a percent, meaning the riesling missed out by 0.01%.
"About last October, 1000 bottles were boxed up and sitting on Auckland's wharf before a paper came in denying them.''
He did not intend for the wine to be under 8.5% ABV, he said.
"Winemakers have a pretty good idea with dry wines how much alcohol there will be, but it's a bit different with sweet wines where you want to retain some more of that grape sugar.''
He wanted it to be between 8.5% and 9.5%, in the style of some German wines, he said.
Wine regions can obtain a special derogation which allows them to trade despite products being outside the the EU specifications.
Felton Road owner Nigel Greening was in talks with New Zealand's EU ambassador to obtain such an exemption.
However, New Zealand would first have to formalise its wine-growing regions.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced a Bill to Parliament in November which would give legal recognition that a wine or spirit came from a certain area.
Mr Walter said this legislation would likely make it possible for Central Otago to gain a derogation.
"I'm sure we will. With modern lifestyles, there is more of an emphasis on low-alcohol products, so I think we are being responsible if anything.''
The 1000 bottles would instead be sold in Asia and New Zealand and would still "disappear quickly'', he said.
"But the EU is still very important - it's our largest market.''
New Zealand Winegrowers board chairman Steve Green said he was recently at a meeting in Christchurch where the legislation was discussed and it was indicated it would become law by mid-year.
"It's a fairly non-contentious and we've had a lot of indication of support.''
It would override EU alcohol restrictions, he said.
"This has happened to other wineries too, which is one of the reasons why it's important to get it going.''
