Riverina wineries are bursting at the seams with a record vintage which greatly exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. The region’s final tally is a massive 151,000 tonnes, about 25,000 above predicted levels and around 35,000 tonnes on 1998. On a statewide basis, NSW has maintained its share of the national crush at around 25% despite a troubled vintage with rainfall. Two immediate results of the record national crush have been a slight easing on white grape prices, although any fears of a white grape surplus have not resulted in the leaving of white grapes on vines. Red grape prices have held strongly and Riverina growers expect the continued substitution of sultana vines with premium varieties.
