Wine industry records one of smallest harvests in a decade

Samuel's Gorge winery employee Sally Cranney keeps busy during the grape harvest schedule. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL

THE quality may be exceptional, but the Australian wine industry is heading for one of its smallest harvests in a decade as drought and poor grape prices make it unviable for many growers to carry on.

With the difficult harvest drawing to a close in most districts, forecasts generally suggest a grape harvest of about 1.4 million tonnes, well down on the normal 1.8 million tonnes.

Wine Grape Growers' Australia executive director Mark McKenzie predicted the lower harvest would be good for the overall industry.

"But the small vintage and low grape prices has made it very difficult for many people in the industry," he said.

Samuel's Gorge winery owner Justin McNamee has just finished bringing in his last parcels of mataro and grenache grapes.

The McLaren Vale producer said he still had another five weeks of solid work ahead, but is relieved to be finished the most even harvest in 15 years.