Winemakers plan to protect New Zealand regional names in Europe, with a proposal about geographical origins moving a step closer to becoming law.
Parliament has now had its first reading of the Geographical Indications Amendment Bill.
Wine industry lawyer John Barker said, once the bill passed into law, exporters would be allowed to head to Europe to register the likes of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Mr Barker said it would also pave the way for the French to register Champagne and Bordeaux here.
