Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers' in-house vintage survey has found the 2010 vintage is running later than usual by about two weeks and is expected to begin mid to late March.

However, Winegrowers says the quality of the crop won't be affected.

Wineries and grape growers responded to the survey commenting on the above average rainfall for January and cool Spring period slowing the start of the traditional growing season. 

Most indicated they were expecting the same size or slightly reduced crop as the 2009 vintage, although a few were looking at a larger yield.