Bumper crop in vineyards

By SIMON HENDERY

This year's grape harvest should be the country's biggest.

Wine Institute chief executive Philip Gregan said about 120,000 tonnes of grapes were expected to be crushed this year, an increase of almost 70 per cent on last year's harvest of 71,000 tonnes.

The increase in production would be driven by a return to more normal vineyard yields after a low-yielding harvest last year and by an increase in the producing area, he said.

"Current reports indicate yields are slightly above average in most regions," said Mr Gregan.

"This will lift production above 2001 levels as yields last year, at just 6.1 tonnes a hectare, were well below average.

"As well, there are an additional 1500 hectares producing for the first time, boosting the harvest area by 13 per cent to nearly 13,200 hectares."

The grape harvest, which begins in Gisborne this week, continues until about the end of May.

The Grape Growers Council and the Wine Institute expect to have full details on the size of the vintage by mid-June.