The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest, which has just commenced in northern parts of the country, is expected to be slightly smaller than the 2009 vintage, according to New Zealand Winegrowers’ annual pre-vintage survey.

“Based on data received from 59 medium and large wineries, our expectation is for producers to harvest between 265,000 and 285,000 tonnes of grapes this year,” says Philip Gregan New Zealand Winegrowers’ CEO.

Wineries covered by the survey accounted for 88 per cent of the 2009 grape harvest.

A grape intake in the forecast range would be marginally smaller than the 2009 and 2008 vintages both of which saw 285,000 tonnes of grapes harvested.

The vintage will be produced from around 33,000 hectares of grapes, up 2,000 hectares from last year.

The forecast for a reduced harvest was expected according to Mr Gregan.

“The challenging global environment in which New Zealand wines are being marketed and sold, means producers will continue to focus on the key element in New Zealand wines’ export success of the past two decades – producing world class grapes and wines.

"The prospect of a slightly reduced vintage, despite a further increase in the producing area, testifies to that quality focus.”

Mr Gregan was positive about the outlook for the vintage.

 “Although in some regions the harvest seems to be running a week or two later than last year, the prospects for the vintage are looking good. The key for a successful harvest will be the weather over the next two months.”