Together, the two main wine regions in New Zealand, Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, make up 80% of the total of New Zealand producing vineyard area (ha), up from 73% share in 2009.
Over the past 10 years, the total vineyard area in New Zealand has grown from 31,964ha to 37,967ha or 18.8% increase.
Recent surveys by the Ministry of Primary Industries show a potential 20% or approximately 5,000 ha increase in Marlborough’s vineyard area in the next 5 years, increasing production levels beyond 2020 when these areas will mature and drive further export growth.
We have seen strong growth in the wine industry over the last five – six years on the back of increased processing capacity within wineries, stronger demand from export markets and a lift in the contract grape price paid to growers.
This has resulted in strong increases in vineyard values, which have now plateaued somewhat in the past six months. Annual wine export revenue now exceeds $1.6 billion and grape plantings predicted in coming years reflect ongoing industry confidence.
Figures from New Zealand Winegrowers show 419,000 tonnes of grapes were harvested nationally during vintage 2018. This is 6% up on 2017 and near the record 436,000 tonne harvested in 2016.
Annual wine export revenue now exceeds $1.6 billion and grape plantings predicted in coming years reflect ongoing industry confidence
