After five years and more than $2 million in research, Thumm Estate Wines has developed a health spread and a sports supplement gel that has captured the attention of both health-conscious consumers and athletes looking for a natural way to fuel performance.

The rich source of antioxidants from grapes is being used as a spread on toast and as a natural sweetener.

The fruit sugars in the 'DeVine' Sports Gel can be absorbed directly into the blood stream to provide instant energy and a sustained energy release.

Armed with decades of experience producing varieties such as sauvignon blanc and pinot noir for his Thumm Estate label, Gold Coast winemaker, Robert Thumm, recognised a profitable resource in his vineyard.

At the base of Mount Tambourine, TEW is well positioned to take advantage of the tourist trade, a booming local population and global export opportunities.

Mr Thumm was recently invited to attend the Gulfood Expo in Dubai and says there has been a lot of interest in his products overseas.

"We have done a lot of work in other areas of the world to develop the product line in major markets, which once achieved, will have the added advantage of taking up any surpluses in grapes to help even out peaks and troughs," he said.

"One might even be bold enough to consider planting just for these products, as it takes five tonnes of grapes to make just one tonne of our product line."

The new addition to the international food market has been developed through Mr Thumm's entrepreneurial approach and commitment to innovation in the art of utilising vine grapes.

"It's produced from any kind or combination of grapes, but in particular, from those of the heavier bearing varieties," he said.

The fruit is processed as it is for winemaking up until fermentation. At this point, the juice is further processed into a range of fruit, honey-like products.

* Extract from a full report in the June issue of GrapeGrowers & Vignerons magazine.