This year’s wine grape harvest has come on quicker than normal, with winemakers blaming the changing climate.
Warmer temperatures across the growing period are restricting harvests to four to five weeks.
Sirromet Winery chief winemaker Mike Hayes said some varieties are being picked a lot quicker and a lot sooner than they normally would be.
“It’s unheard of to be taking these four off,” he said.
“Chardonnay for sparkling base, Pinot Grigio, then Viognier and Verdelho.
“And normally those varieties would be picked over a four-week period, but they’re all going to be picked in a five-day period.”
