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TTBGov World Wine Trade Group

Consumer Corner
International Trade

WORLD WINE TRADE GROUP

The United States is a participant in the World Wine Trade Group, an informal grouping of government and industry representatives from the wine producing countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa. 

The Group, which was founded in 1998, aims to share information and collaborate on a variety of international issues and endeavors to create new opportunities for wine trade.

The participants share the responsibility of chairing the Group, with the position rotating on an annual basis.  As of January 2010, South Africa is chairing the Group.  Argentina will take the position next. 

The Mutual Acceptance Agreement on Oenological Practices (MAA) was signed in Toronto, Canada in December 2001 by the United States and Canada.  Argentina became a signatory in December 2002.  By 2005, all WWTG participants had ratified the MAA with the exception of South Africa.  The MAA seeks to facilitate trade in wine by acknowledging differences in oenological practices and ensuring that wine is allowed to be sold in all signatory countries’ markets despite these differences.  At the same time, it places an emphasis on compliance with the World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations to protect the health and safety of consumers and to prevent deception of consumers.

After completion of the Agreement on Oenological Practices, the Group turned its attention to labeling issues.  The Agreement on Requirements for Wine Labeling was initialed on September 20, 2006 and signed on January 23, 2007 in Canberra, Australia, by all participants with the exception of South Africa.  With this Agreement, which harmonizes some common labeling requirements, the WWTG seeks to minimize unnecessary trade barriers, and thereby facilitate international trade in wine. 

As another wine producing country, Georgia indicated its interest in joining the WWTG, and began the accession process in 2008.  The country has submitted its laws and regulations on winemaking practices and labeling for review by the Group.  The WWTG looks forward to South Africa and the Republic of Georgia signing on to the two agreements.  The WWTG continues its outreach to other wine producing countries.

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