New Zealand wine welcomes early harvest with optimism for 2026 Vintage – Harvest is underway or about to begin across New Zealand’s wine regions as the industry prepares for the 2026 vintage.
As always, this is an exciting and highly anticipated time of year, with indicators pointing to grapes that offer regional diversity, distinctive flavours and ripeness.
Ongoing changes in weather patterns have seen harvest dates move forward by several weeks in recent years, and 2026 is shaping up to be the earliest yet.
Northland kicked off on 23 January, followed by Hawke’s Bay, and in more recent weeks, Marlborough and North Canterbury. Central Otago is looking slightly later this year.
“January to March are critical months for growing and ripening grapes. We are looking forward to a nice, warm March, with cooler autumn nights that are important for flavour development.”
“Winemakers are feeling optimistic as they look forward to crafting wines for both domestic and international consumers, continuing New Zealand’s reputation for wines that are distinctive, refreshing, sustainable and premium” said Philip Gregan, CEO New Zealand Winegrowers.
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS
New Zealand Winegrowers Inc. is the national organisation for the country’s grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members and 700 winery members.
Visit New Zealand Wine Growers here: https://www.nzwine.com/en/
NEW ZEALAND WINE
- New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries
- New Zealand produces just over 1% of the world’s wine
- New Zealand wine is New Zealand’s seventh-largest export good
- New Zealand wine exports for 2025 were $2.10 billion
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