It is boom times in the Hunter's vineyards as visitors flock to the region in record numbers.
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With travel restrictions due to COVID-19 forcing people to look at domestic destinations for their holidays a significant drop in visitor numbers is not expected anytime soon.
Cellar doors, restaurants, cafes and accommodation have been fully booked since the lifting of restrictions started mid year.
And this is very good news for the industry which took a serious hit last year as the bushfires kept people away and even worse resulted in some vineyards dropping their entire vintage on the ground because of smoke taint.
So far the season has been ideal for grape growers with timely rain and milder conditions. The only concern was the arrival of hail from some severe thunderstorms.
With around two months to go until the vintage starts in earnest growers and winemakers will be hoping for the weather gods to remain kind. The predictions of a wet summer may require some extra crop management.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
