LOWER yields will typify winegrape harvests across southeast Australia this year.
But fruit quality is expected to be good and the lower yields could drive up grape prices, according to Murray Valley Winegrapes chief executive Mark McKenzie.
Harvesting started in the Murray Valley last week and many more areas are expected to commence in the next fortnight. "We reckon we're probably about 10 days earlier, which is probably indicative given the fair bit of cool weather (we've had) in summer so far," Mr McKenzie said.
"We're seeing lighter crops. Chardonnay in particular appears to be quite variable and it would appear that reds are not shaping up particularly strongly in terms of crop loads as well.
"I think fruit quality will be quite good if the weather stays fine."
In the McLaren Vale, crop yields are down by as much as 30 per cent, while crops are also lighter in the Barossa Valley and Langhorne Creek wine regions of South Australia.
Winegrapes Australia spokesman Jock Harvey said growers were hopeful of good weather conditions throughout the vintage.
He said the good quality fruit but lack of supply in the McLaren Vale was driving up demand for red varieties.
"(There's) early and strong demand for red varieties, particularly cabernet sauvignon and high-quality shiraz," Mr Harvey said.
Mr McKenzie said he remained hopeful prices would continue to strengthen.
"Prices have certainly improved and we believe the prices are on the mend but it's going to be incremental increases," Mr McKenzie said.
