Winegrowers are elated the government's pushing ahead with laws to better protect the industry's intellectual property.

It's implementing what's known as Geographical Indications - a sign used on products to show they possess qualities or a reputation that are due to their origin.

Champagne, Scotch Whisky and Prosciutto de Parma are well-known examples.

Philip Gregan from New Zealand Winegrowers says the move will protect the wine industry's premium brands from misuse.

"Not a short term thing for the wind industry this is a long term init and we're act just delighted the governemtn has decided to go down this path.

Gregan says of the major wine producers in the world, New Zealand's one of the few which doesn't have a formal register of geographical indications.

"It's the high level terms such as Waiheke Island, or Marlborough or Central Otago that we will register in the first instance."

He says it's a long-term branding move, and a measure which will guard the wine industry's intellectual property.