As we look ahead to Vintage 2026, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation across the estate. The season has already shown its hand in striking and memorable ways, setting the foundation for what may become one of the Hunter’s truly exceptional years.
A Season Shaped by Contrast
A notably wet winter soaked our hillside vineyard, delivering the kind of deep sub-soil moisture that allows the vines to ease into spring with confidence. From there, the shift was nothing short of dramatic. September ushered in warm, dry conditions that have persisted with remarkable consistency, guiding the vines through flowering and early berry development with minimal pressure and excellent balance.
It’s a weather pattern we don’t see often, yet one that growers across the region speak about with quiet optimism. The last time we witnessed a season unfold in this way was 2014 – a vintage now widely regarded as one of the Hunter Valley’s finest. While every year carries its own character, there’s no denying the parallels, and it’s hard not to feel a stirring of excitement watching the fruit progress.
Harvest on the Horizon
Our team will begin testing and spraying in early January, keeping a close eye on flavour development and acidity as the fruit approaches maturity. If current conditions continue, we expect to begin picking from mid-to-late January. Early indications point to an organised, evenly paced harvest with beautifully clean fruit – a winemaker’s dream.
What to Expect in the Glass
Should the long-range forecast hold, 2026 is shaping up as a standout year across both our whites and reds.
For the whites, we’re anticipating crispness and clarity – wines with lifted aromatics, bright natural acidity and a purity of flavour.
For the reds, the season’s warmth and consistency suggest depth and generosity: bold, juicy wines with fine structure and an elegant line that will reward both early enjoyment and careful cellaring.
A Vintage Worth Watching
It is, of course, still early days. But from the vantage point of the vineyard, with canopies healthy and fruit setting beautifully, the signs are unmistakably promising. If the weather continues to favour us, 2026 may well be a vintage spoken about for years to come.
We look forward to sharing more updates as harvest draws closer. For now, we’ll keep our boots firmly in the soil, our eyes on the skies, and our hopes high for a season that honours everything we love about growing and making wine in the Hunter Valley.