New England wine region officially recognised
The New England region in northern New South Wales has become an officially recognised wine region and will be known as New England Australia.
The new brand name will be marketed internationally and represents 42 vineyards from Tenterfield to Tamworth.
The secretary of the Southern New England Vignerons Association, Norm Maher, says it has taken over three years to be officially recognised as a wine region.
He says it will allow local winegrowers to more effectively market their product.
"In the past we haven't been able to brand our wine," he said.
"Being able to brand it as New England Australia clearly identifies us, not only to the customers within Australia but overseas as well.
"We're already receiving enquiries from the emerging markets of India and China."