Orange Region Vignerons Association president and owner of See Saw Wines, Justin Jarrett, said the Vinexpo wine trade fair in Hong Kong was one of the most prestigious in the region.

Australia has been selected as the Country of Honour for the May 29-31 fair, which meant Aussie wines would be featured.

“It’s Australia’s turn to be the hero nation,” he said.

“Previously it has been Italy and France [and others].”

Mr Jarrett said Philip Shaw Wines, Ross Hill Wines, Angullong Wines, See Saw Wines, Printhie Wines, Rowlee Wines, Logan Wines, Gordon Hills Estate Wines and Stockman’s Ridge Wines would be representing Orange.

He said about 18 people from Orange wineries would be going to Hong Kong for the trade fair.

Mr Jarrett said the wineries had put their hands up to be part of the fair.

“You elect to go,” he said.

Mr Jarrett said the Asian market was dominated by red wines but Orange makers would be showing a wider selection.

“Chardonnay, pinot and shiraz will be the major push from Orange,” he said.

“We’re taking our vintages to Hong Kong where most of the markets don’t expect to find cool climate wines from Australia, let alone wines of the quality we’re making here in Orange.”

After the trade fair six of the Orange wineries will go on a six-day wine roadshow of China, promoting Orange wine in four Chinese cities.

Mr Jarrett said the 2018 Orange wine harvest had started.

“We’re a third of the way through the harvest,” he said.

Primary Industries, Trade and Industry minister Niall Blair said Orange wines would be “front and centre” at the Hong Kong expo.

“This event provides a fantastic opportunity to put Orange wines on the global stage,” he said.

“It is one of the most influential trade fairs in the Asia Pacific region, showcasing every variety of wine to almost 20,000 visitors from more than 50 countries.”

He said Australian wine exports were up 15 per cent in the last year to $2.56 billion.