by Bob Campbell MW
Although the full extent of the damage cannot be assessed for at least another month, spring frosts have plagued several New Zealand wine regions. Worst hit is Martinborough, a small region at the southern end of the North Island. Low cloud
prevented helicopters, often used to fight frost, from reaching the area. While some vineyards suffered potential crop losses of up to 50%, those with in-built frost protection methods such as wind machines or overhead sprinklers were spared.
Central Otago, the country s most southerly wine region, lost 5-10% of their potential crop, according to Greg Hay, marketing director for Peregrine Wines. It was a very strange frost event , said Hay. Vineyards in the plains have a higher risk of frost and yet they were spared on this occasion. Some vineyards on steep slopes were decimated while adjacent vineyards were untouched. Gibbston, of Central Otago s cooler districts, seems to have had no damage while warmer districts were hit.
Although patches in the cooler Awatere Valley experienced some damage, frost is Marlborough, New Zealand s largest region, was neither widespread nor particularly serious. Philip Mason, Science and Innovations Manager for NZ Winegrowers, explained: Although it is unlikely to have much impact on total grape production, we won t know the full extent of the damage until the vines have finished flowering. Marlborough has a potentially record-breaking crop of grapes. Every indication points to the likelihood that there will be plenty of wine made in the 2007 vintage.
