NEW ZEALAND MAKES IT OFFICIAL

The New Zealand Winegrowers association will have to draw up official boundaries for wine-producing regions after the passing of the Geographical Indications (Wine & Spirits) Act this week.

As well as being a World Trade Organization (WTO) requirement, it will provide a level of protection for local wine and spirits makers. They will be able to register their products as coming from a specific region (like Napa or Burgundy) with the characteristic associated with that region.

The regulations won’t take effect for at least another year as the industry determines what to pass.