The multi-million dollar Canterbury wine industry is heading for a bumper season, grape growers say.
Generally, grape volumes had been good and quality excellent across most of Canterbury, said Giesen Wine Estate director Marcel Giesen.
"We really benefited from the long, dry autumn. It's looking really good, it will be one of the better years."
Mr Giesen said most of the South Island had had "a pretty good run," with an exceptional year in Marlborough.
Canterbury Grape Growers Association secretary Barry Cassidy, of Swannanoa Vineyards, said grape quality was good but volumes were not exceptional for most growers.
He said the crop would have been exceptional if many growers had not been affected by frost and hail in November.
The dry weather had helped keep disease at bay, and been good for ripening, but temperatures had not been particularly hot.
Pegasus Bay winemaker Lynette Hudson said grape quality in Waipara this year was "awesome".
"We've had wonderful weather with so little rain. It's been unfortunate for farmers but good for us.
"Everything is coming together — it's perfect really."
Ms Hudson said volumes were "pretty good," although pinot was a little down.
In Canterbury, the producing vineyard area has grown from 161 hectares in 1992 to 442 in 2000, and is predicted to rise to 522 by 2003.
- CHRISTCHURCH STAR
Canterbury wine industry optimistic about this year's crop
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