(HawkesBayToday) - Hawke's Bay is among many wine growing regions in the country on the verge of a vintage year, where 2013 wines are tipped to hold the most "stunning" flavours in recent history, thanks to the long, dry summer.
While the drought conditions have plagued farmers, wine growers are relishing the weather patterns and crossing their fingers for more of the same during the final few weeks of harvest. Pask Winery chief winemaker and managing director Kate Radburnd said they had "beautiful, ripe, clean fruit" on the vines.
"All I can say is the growing season has been an absolute delight. I don't know of anyone that's not happy."
The Hawke's Bay winery had already harvested its sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and chardonnay berries and would look to begin merlot this weekend.
"Our reds are maturing beautifully on the vine. It looks magnificent." It meant that growers could make harvesting decisions based purely on quality.