Grape harvest up 42pc

Oyster Bay Marlborough Vineyards' 2006 harvest is up 42 per cent on last year.

The season has produced 4689 tonnes of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and riesling grapes, compared with 3303 tonnes harvested last year.

Price negotiations between the company and majority owner Delegat's were concluded yesterday, resulting in total grape revenue of $10.6 million, an increase of $3.5 million (49 per cent) on last year.