Less grapes but a tastier wine expected in Central Otago

Weaver Estate Wines cellar door manager Liz Weaver (left) and winemaker Jess Weaver reflect on this year's grape harvest at their Alexandra vineyard. Photo / Pam Jones

The final figures are not yet in, but this year's Central Otago grape harvest has been confirmed as down on last year's, Central Otago Winegrowers Association general manager Glenys Coughlan says.

The windy and cool spring and summer had caused a later harvest and lower yields, Ms Coughlan said.

However, the fruit quality  was high.

"Having endured such an out-of-sorts summer, autumn presented a very favourable ripening period with only one frost, and the harvest has been nicely staggered around the region as a result."

Central Otago had also been fortunate to "duck the weather bombs that came off the back of cyclones Debbie and Cook", Ms Coughlan said.

Some wineries were just finishing their harvest, but most were "keeping an eye on the ferment and what looks like a very flavoursome vintage", she said.

Winegrowers spoken to last month said pinot noir made up about 75% of Central Otago's planted areas and pinot noir grapes responded well to stress, so some "great reds" were expected.

The precise tonnage of Central Otago's harvest and from other areas nationwide was now being gathered by New Zealand Winegrowers and final figures would possibly be known next week, Ms Coughlan said.