PROTECTING valuable wine vintages from smoke taint is one of the core commitments in this year's Budget.The Victorian Government has committed $4 million to establish a Centre of Expertise to find ways to reduce the impact of smoke taint, which has caused serious losses to grape growers and wineries. In 2006, the wine industry estimated smoke taint cost it more than $100 million, with some vignerons losing their entire vintage after the grapes were contaminated. "For this reason we will establish a comprehensive research and development program to help increase understanding of how smoke affects wine composition," Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said.