NSW Government helps struggling wineries for China market

Up to 20 NSW wineries are to benefit from a State Government assistance package designed to help the struggling wine sector.

Winegrape growers, faced with water shortages and low prices, are abandoning their vineyards at an alarming rate.

But the government is to spend $100,000 helping open up export markets in China and Hong Kong.

Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, says the money will enable wineries attend major international trade fairs in Asia.

"It's targeted mainly at the small to medium producers, those who probably would not be able to attend without this type of assistance," he says.

"[This will hopefully] drive our wine exports further.

"The Hong Kong/China market has grown dramatically in recent years. It now totals $115 million."