Wine growers excited by export future

Talk of a free trade agreement with Russia, China and the USA are being seen as positive for exporters

New Zealand wine growers are excited about a potential multi-million dollar Russian export market opening up.

A Free Trade Agreement is being negotiated with Russia and John Key believes the Russians want to get a deal signed off by 2012.

Wine Growers chief executive Philip Gregan says an FTA would see a dramatic increase wine export volumes to Russia.

He says it's a very positive development, with a free trade agreement with China, closer co-operation with the US and now Russia, it's all positive stuff for exporters.

Mr Gregan says Russia has a long history of wine consumption.