Grim year for grape growers

Constant rain and storms since October meant this year’s harvest was a write-off for most grape growers.

At this time of year, local vineyards should still be dotted with the last few golden, green and russet red leaves, giving a final glow of autumn colour after the annual grape harvest.

Not this year, however. Along with everyone else, the Matakana wine region has been hit hard by recent storms and flood events, resulting in the worst grape harvest anyone has ever known here, and the vines are stressed and bare.

Most grape growers could not pick any fruit at all and the few who did...