In 2012, arguing the risk of a dearth of domain names, ICANN launched a project to open new generic extensions for online assets (.com, .net, .edu etc.).
By the end of the first wave of applications, more than 1,300 new generic extensions will have been created (.guru, .paris, .travel etc.).
Two extensions have attracted particular attention and swiftly engaged the global wine community: .WINE and .VIN.
Following three years of negotiation, agreement was reached between the wine industry and the companies that will make use of the extensions .WINE and .VIN.
This agreement ensures protection of intellectual property rights, in particular appellations of origin.
Champagne is one of the very first appellations to obtain this extension.