HILLTOPS 2026 PRE-HARVEST REPORT

It has been a hot dry summer in the NSW Hilltops, in fact unless you have a new pool, just a little too hot for too long. Just as well the region enjoys a significant diurnal range – that’s the difference between daytime (hot) and cool night-time temperatures. In the Hilltops this variation can be up to 20C allowing the grapes necessary respite. So pre-harvest routines have been dominated by the need for irrigation under clear blue skies, with minimal disease risk. Harvest is expected to kick off in early March, a little later than recent vintages.

The 2026 season opened with a mild spring and moderate rains resulting in slightly delayed flowering. Budburst delivered a moderate crop in most varieties; some displaying smaller berries but good colour and flavour.

First varieties to be harvested will be chardonnay and prosecco and the later reds predictably led off by the Spanish origin tempranillo and the region’s lauded shiraz preceding the prancing Italian stallions – sangiovese, nebbiolo and corvina. Now all that’s needed is a typical pre-harvest Hilltops autumn – sunny warm days and more cooling nights. Roll on Vintage 2026!

Photo credit: Jane Adams