Wine makers are managing to reduce production in an attempt to rebalance the sector and stop money slipping through their fingers.

New Zealand Winegrowers chairman Stuart Smith said falling profitability has become the most significant issue for the sector but grape growers must continue to carefully plan the size of their vintages for the industry, and therefore revenues, to fully recover.

“Times are tough in the industry and we must be very focused if we are to continue the progress of the past year," he said.