Southern Hemisphere Vintage 2023: A Review
The 2023 Southern Hemisphere wine grape harvest has begun, and our hearts go out to the vineyard owners in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region, who have been hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle. Despite the challenges they face, the wine industry in Australia and New Zealand remains resilient, adapting and finding innovative ways to navigate this difficult season.
In Australia, South Australia's Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions are off to a promising start, with excellent quality grapes reported for the 2023 harvest (source: ABC News). This combination of resilience and high-quality production is expected to strengthen the global market presence of Australian wines.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's wine industry is also gearing up for the 2023 vintage. Wine Marlborough's general manager, Marcus Pickens, mentioned in RNZ that the 2023 vintage volumes should be on par with the long-term average. James Dicey, a Central Otago viticulturist, shared in the same article that the region has started harvesting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
New Zealand wines have been making waves in the U.S. market, with a 13% increase in export shipments in 2022 (source: Impact Databank). This growth has been led by popular brands like Oyster Bay and Whitehaven. Furthermore, higher-priced wines have contributed significantly to the overall growth of the New Zealand wine sector in the U.S.
Both countries have experienced relief in the labor department, thanks to the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions. This has been a game-changer for wineries, ensuring smoother harvest processes by providing a larger pool of experienced staff (source: RNZ).
Turning our attention to Australia's Riverland wine region, reports indicate a significant excess production this year. The region, known for its hot and dry climate, produces a large portion of Australia's wine grapes. The excess production has led to lower grape prices, which could increase bulk wine exports and potentially affect the price of wines in the global market. In response to the overproduction, there have been requests for growers to plant more white grape varietals to better balance supply and demand.
The 2023 Southern Hemisphere vintage has had its share of challenges, especially with the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region. However, the Australian and New Zealand wine industries have demonstrated their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to quality. As the harvest continues, we're optimistic that these wine-producing countries will overcome these challenges, securing their position in the global market.
