China gets a taste of Victoria's shiraz surplus

A wine co-operative from Victoria has exported their first container of shiraz to China.

The Grampians and Pyrenees Wine Co-operative was formed to create new markets for local wine, after growers were struggling to sell grapes.

Chairman Garry Rice says it's hoping to sell 5000 cases this year.

He says grapes that would have been left on the vines in Victoria will now be sold as wine in China.

"What they do like is a nice sweet fruity finish and it just so happens that shiraz in this area actually produces a really nice, rounded fruity flavour while their young."