Diet-conscious Australians are driving a new trend towards lower-alcohol wines, which are soaring in popularity. For the first time Weight Watchers has endorsed a wine range - the new low-alcohol Balance range from Hunter Valley family winery McWilliam's. And another low-alcohol wine, the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato, has been named official Australia Day Wine of the Year. Consumer research conducted by McWilliam's found many wine drinkers want lighter, more refreshing styles of wine that better align to their lifestyle. The McWilliam's Balance range has 8.5 per cent alcohol, a third lower in alcohol and a third lower in kilojoules than a standard bottle. One glass has a Weight Watchers points value of one, as is highlighted on the label, and equals one standard drink. "We're really pleased to have this endorsement," McWilliam's winemaker Jim Brayne said. "It's fulfilling to know that we're giving a lower-kilojoule and lower-alcohol option to people who like to enjoy a glass of wine. This is about making dining out and entertaining a lot easier." Dietitian and Weight Watchers adviser Emma Stirling said being able to still enjoy the foods (and wines) people loved, while losing weight, was key to the Weight Watchers program. The Balance range comprises a semillon sauvignon blanc and shiraz selling at $16.99. The Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato, which has just 9 per cent alcohol as against 15 to 16 per cent for big South Australian reds, is the first moscato to be named the official Australia Day wine. The Sun Herald (Sydney), January 24.