Hot, dry January days have resulted in an early start to the 2013 vintage at most Upper Hunter vineyards.
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The favourable conditions meant harvesters have been picking fruit off vines for the best part of two weeks.
The whites are the first to come off, followed by the reds, and, according to Upper Hunter Winemakers Association treasurer Brett Keeping, early signs are indicating great 2013 crops.
“Last year for the whole season we had four days where temperatures reached over 35 degrees (Celsius),” Mr Keeping told the Hunter Valley News last week.
“Where, this year, we have already had 30-plus days over 35 (degrees Celsius).
“It is a complete contrast to last year.
“There’s a real buzz around the place at the moment and everyone is going really well.”
This includes harvestings at Mr Keepings own vineyard, Two Rivers Wines at Denman, which started on the evening of Sunday, January 13.
“It’s hard to believe we are picking this early in January,” Mr Keeping said.
“We’ve nearly finished the whites, where we have had years where we hadn’t even started by now.”
The story was the same for the team at Hollydene Estate Wines, starting the same Sunday.
“We have had a really good vintage so far,” Hollydene Estate director Karen Williams said.
“At the moment the crops are looking good, medium in volume, and are producing really good quality fruit.”
Last week Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho varieties were harvested off the estate’s three Muswellbrook shire vineyards – Hollydene, Arrowfield and Wybong.
Mrs Williams said about 90 acres will be harvested at the three vineyards and about 200 tonnes of grapes will be made into premium quality wine.
Alongside Mrs Williams has been an expert team of vignerons, including Arrowfield manager Tony Merta, Wybong and Hollydeen manager Scott Farley and winemaker Matt Burton.
Most vineyards are now on a well-earned two-week mini break, before harvesting of red varieties starts.