EntWine enables winemakers and winegrape growers to attain independent certification for environmental practices.

It was developed with assistance from the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country program.

Launching the program in Adelaide yesterday, Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said EntWine was a great example of the Australian wine industry’s work to maintain its place among the world’s top wine producers.

"This accreditation will provide our customers around the world, from retailers and restaurants to individuals, with the environmental assurances they are increasingly demanding from our wines," Mr Burke said.

"We’re now the world’s third largest exporter of wine, with exports to more than a hundred countries. That includes emerging markets like China where exports almost doubled in value last year.

"To maintain and build on our place we need to shift the world’s understanding of Australian wine from high-volume to high-quality.

"And that includes proudly demonstrating our green credentials to markets that are increasingly demanding this assurance."

Major UK retailers including Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s are now seeking environmental accreditation from their suppliers.

EntWine is open to all winemakers and grape growers in Australia.

Once certified, participants can carry the EntWine logo on their products and be registered on the EntWine website.

* For more information on EntWine visit www.wfa.org.au