Good sauvignon blanc vintage expected

Sauvignon blanc drinkers can raise a glass to the weather this year as we're in for a very good vintage, particularly from the Marlborough region.

Business correspondent Roger Kerr says we have both quality and quantity.

"Quality wise the vintage is top notch, great growing conditions through the summer and into the autumn, so more of the grapes can be made this year into premium wines than in other years," he told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking. "Rather than flogging off bulk grapes at the bottom of the market they'll make it into good wine."

However Roger Kerr says that doesn't necessarily mean vineyards will be raising their glasses.

"The wine industry is still struggling with the glut of grapes from the 2008 and 2009 vintages, forcing down selling prices and causing financial strain particularly for the smaller wineries," he says. "The lower selling prices mean falling vineyard land values and bank managers that are knocking on the door."

Among the vineyards to fall victim of the recession, Te Kairanga winery is up for sale.