Looking at some of the figures released recently about the 2021 vintage – overall harvest was down 19% across the country, although Central Otago recorded an increase of 21%. This was offset by reductions of 21% in our biggest regional producer of Marlborough. Nelson and Wairarapa both recorded downturns of over 30%, with Waitaki down 80%. The total volume of harvest was 370,000 tonnes.
Sauvignon Blanc remains on top by a vast amount – making up nearly three quarters of all grapes harvested at 74.8% despite a downturn of 18% compared to last year. There’s over a third less Pinot Noir this year – down 35% on 2020, making up 6.1% of the overall harvest.
