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.
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New Zealand Winegrowers' images can be found here.
For further information, contact:
Chrissy Powlesland
Communications Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers,
021 331 398
chrissy.powlesland@nzwine.com
Philip Gregan
CEO, New Zealand Winegrowers
021 964 564
philip@nzwine.com
Editor’s notes
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. nzwine.com
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 sixth-largest export good
New Zealand wine exports for 2025 were $2.10 billion
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