New NSW wine region

'New England Australia' has just become the latest officially recognised Australian wine region.

Executive officer of the Geographical Indications Committee (GIC) Jock Osborne recently announced that Australia's newest geographical indication was entered into the register of protected names.

The GIC is a statutory committee established by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 to make determinations of geographical indications for wine in relation to regions and localities in Australia. This serves to protect the integrity of Australia's wine-growing regions.

Located within the Northern Slopes zone within the state of New South Wales, its unique set of climatic conditions and similarities of topography, soil types and climate have earned the region its new status.

"The universal consensus for its boundaries has meant that the application has progressed relatively quickly and I'd like to acknowledge the applicants for the way they have managed the application," Osborne said.

"The establishment of the New England Australia GI will enable wine growers in the district to regionally brand and market their wines. The emerging wine industry in this region will have the opportunity to benefit from its new status," he said.

Situated near the northern border of the state, the large region encompasses the main towns of Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield. The Great Dividing Range extends down its eastern boundaries, and the region is north of the Hunter.

For further information, visit Wine Australia.