Vintage Update – 4 March 2026

Vintage Progress (member insights)

• Commencement of the 2026 vintage ranged from late January to early February (28 Jan–9 Feb).
• Indicative progress is around 30-40% complete.
• Baumes are tracking behind last year, with early white varieties staying out longer than anticipated.
• Recent rainfall events have limited access in some areas, with early week crushing paused for most.
• Strong collaboration amongst growers, transport, and winery intake teams, working closely to solve access, picking, and delivery timing, helping maintain steady processing despite delays.
• The cool, drier breeze is assisting canopies to dry out post‑rain, supporting quality and harvest decisions.
• We can expect to see an approx. one‑week extension to harvest timing after recent weather events, followed by the current cooler conditions.

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• White Frontignac
• Semillon
• Gordo
• Riesling
• Chenin Blanc
• Early reds for rosé

• The general trend remains below preseason expectations.
• Variation in bunch density and size observed during ripening, combined with the extended hot & dry period, have resulted in lighter crop loads than initially expected after fruit set.
• This pattern appears broadly consistent across most sites, acknowledging block and varietal variability.

Weather, Water & Conditions – What Members Are Watching

• Past 14 days:
• Rain & humidity lifted vigilance last week and after the weekend, especially in susceptible parcels, with approx. 50-100mm received across the region, some areas reporting even heavier. 
• Daily average temperatures sat around 24°C, maximum averages of 31°C, and overnight lows averaging around 16°C. 
• The cooler airflow is assisting things to dry out.
• Baumes stalled; post‑rain checks are ongoing to assess the impact and reschedule where required.

• Quality signals - reports of clean chemistry and mostly low to no MOG at the weighbridge. Cooler weather sees optimal conditions for preserving desirable characters as ripening continues.
• Moderate pressures - watch & act after recent rain events.
• Focus remains on timely assessments of apparent berry damage, if any, and picking decisions based on the balancing act of sugar accumulation and the retention of flavour and acid as conditions and access improve.

Friendly Reminders