This is the message from Eric Priebee, president of the Southern Highlands Vignerons Association.

Now 80 members-strong and representing about 40 vineyards, the Association is working hard to have the Southern Highlands labelled a distinct geographical region by the Geographical Indications Committee which is overseen by the Australian Wine and Brandy Federation.

“This would give us much higher recognition among collectors and wine-lovers. It would gives us integrity of label and recognition when competing with other regions nationally and overseas,” he said.

Gaining approval from the Federation is no mean feat. It requires an in-depth report on all the influencing factors including the history of the district, the wine growing and making history, climatic conditions, soil types and the people currently involved in the industry.

The association submitted their report more than a year ago and are still being asked to supply more information 12 months on.

“If we are successful the region would be known simply as the Southern Highlands and it will help add to our potential to win medals and recognition,” Mr Priebee said.

According to Mr Priebee the Association members range from boutique producers to those with larger holdings and more growers are moving here all the time.

“We have a budding wine industry here with great potential to become a major tourist attraction. Our proximity to Sydney and Canberra is a major drawcard and gives us the edge over other regions,” he said.

Although the industry is experiencing strong growth Mr Priebee does not believe it will ever be considered a large wine district.

“I don’t think you’ll find huge operators coming here because of the cost of the land and the terrain. It’s just not conducive to big planting areas, but I think that gives it its charm,” he said.