13 Mar 2009

Region confident storage volume enough for latest grape harvest

11:34 am on 13 March 2009

Wine Marlborough is confident there will be enough storage capacity for another big harvest.

Picking of grapes is underway, with wine makers forecasting a quality crop.

With a huge crop last year, there's been concern that there would not be sufficient space in tanks for the new season's juice.

However, Wine Marlborough says that should not be the case. It says space may be tight, but that should encourage harvesting of only the best fruit.

Earlier this month, Wine Institute director Terry Dunleavy said a growing maturity in the industry was reflected in an agreement by the industry to trim production this year to balance supply and demand, after a surplus of sauvignon blanc was produced in Marlborough last year.