Vintage Update - 1 April 2026

Home stretch (for most)..

Following on from our mid‑March update, growers and wineries have continued to share observations as vintage moves further into the red varieties phase, closing out the white crush. The insights below reflect common themes emerging toward the end of the month with m ost contributors now reporting their intake programs as well advanced, commonly around three‑quarters complete or more, with some nearing completion. Others continue to progress more gradually depending on variety mix and site conditions.

**Vintage Progress (member insights - reporting period 15-29 March)**

Approximately 85-95% of Riverland intake program completed, though some report sitting just over halfway at this point.
White varieties finished in this period for most with red intake well underway, a notable peak in throughput as the two intakes converge with bigger days at the crusher.
Across 6 contributors working with Riverland fruit (each varying in scale and processing location), an approximate crush of 240-250k tonnes has been reported, confirming a significant increase in tonnes crushed during this period compared to the slow and staggered lead into vintage.

Vintage Pace

Pace during this period was described by most as continuing to be slower than expected even with the convergence of final white intake as red deliveries increased, largely due to ongoing ripening variability and periodic weather interruptions, though intake has continued to move forward steadily.
Some late white parcels experiencing short stop‑start harvest due to rain.

Varieties Delivered

Higher-yielding, later-ripening varieties such as Colombard and Muscat Gordo amongst the remaining whites coming in, nearing an end.
Early reds & rosé varieties complete while steady flow of red intake continued as listed in previous update.

Yields (directional feedback only)

The general trend continues below preseason expectations.
Variation in responses, though typically still in the 10–30% lower range, while others report greater than 30% below or, conversely, being on target in less-affected sites.
A number of growers commented that blocks affected by last season’s frost have, in some cases, yielded better-than-expected outcomes this year.

Weather, Water & Conditions - What Members Are Watching

Weather: 15-29 March

We saw patches of rainfall throughout the region each week, between 18-23mm total across the 14 days, higher total rainfall of around 30mm at the western end receiving higher daily totals each event (for the most part).
Daily average temperatures remained around 20°C, maximum averages of 27°C, though warmer conditions of between 27°C-33°C were observed for an extended period part way through, cooler weather settling in toward the end.
Overnight lows continued around an average 10°C.

Conditions

Moderate pressures as a result of sporadic rainfall and on-off warm periods, some sites and susceptible parcels experiencing elevated conditions.
Berry damage observed as management of in-field monitoring & rejections continued.
Late-ripening, heavier crops faced prolonged exposure to confounding seasonal factors and climate-related patterns.
Warmer, dry conditions mid-wayprovided ideal conditions for remaining varieties approaching harvest-ripe to stabilise.
Growers, wineries, contractors and transport operators worked closely to adjust schedules, prioritise fruit condition, and manage short notice changes.
Flexible intake planning and open communication supported steady processing as red intake ramped up.
Moderate operational impacts, with many respondents noting that proactive timing decisions have been key in maintaining quality outcomes during weather‑affected periods.

Thank you to everyone continuing to share observations on what's happening on the ground. Your updates help the whole community stay in the loop.

Friendly Reminders

Fruit Fly Certification

Please ensure all required Fruit Fly certification is in place before scheduling and accompanying documentation is ready to go before fruit leaves the vineyard. This supports smooth movement across the region and into the winery.

NHVR Safety Requirements

A reminder to all growers, contractors, and transport operators to stay up‑to‑date with NHVR safety obligations - including Ag vehicles on the road and knowing where to look for changes in regulations as you travel through different zones, securing loads and preventing grape spills, fatigue management, mass management, vehicle conditions and safe access around trucks and loading areas.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and your diligence keeps everyone moving safely through vintage.

Disclaimer

This update reflects feedback and observations shared by Riverland Wine members. It is not intended to represent a complete or definitive regional snapshot, as conditions and experiences differ across sites, varieties, and wineries.

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