Big Sky Wines' Katherine Jacobs.
Winemakers large and small are right behind moves to protect New Zealand regional names in overseas markets.
The executive director of Villa Maria, Fabian Yukich, says the industry had built a good reputation for quality which needed protection.
"There have been instances in Asian markets of products being passed off.
Not only wines which have been well documented," warns Yukich. "But it is not just Asia, it could be anywhere.
"If you do not put the protections in place you are leaving yourself wide open for someone to do that.
"I think it is good risk management that we do this - you can't just hope."
