2026 Tasmanian wine grape harvest officially commences!

The 2026 Tasmanian wine grape harvest has (finally) kicked off, with the island’s vineyards and wineries humming with excitement as the first grapes make their way from vine to winery.

Wine Tasmania’s Viticulture & Winemaking Officer Paul Smart said the 2025/26 growing season has been anything but predictable.

“It’s been a rather unusual season here in Tasmania. A very cool spring was followed by a mild summer and little rainfall, which means conditions have been dry, and grapes have ripened more slowly than usual.”

The first grapes to be harvested are those destined for sparkling wine, with harvesting activity likely to continue through to late May and potentially June for later styles and varieties.

“A slower season like this can be a good thing when it comes to flavour development in our wines. While yields are expected to be down around 30 per cent compared with last year’s record high production, we’re anticipating excellent quality and plenty of fruit intensity”, Mr Smart said.

“Tasmania's unique climate never gets truly hot. We are an island located a long way south, and our latitude and the surrounding water leads to long seasons and intense flavours in our wines.”

With vineyards entering the most sensitive period of the season, Wine Tasmania is also reminding landholders to work with nearby vineyards if and when planning burns.

“Vineyards are particularly susceptible to smoke exposure at this time of year. We’re simply asking people to have a quick proactive conversation with nearby vineyards before lighting a fire. Sometimes there may be limited risk based on weather conditions and the stage of harvest. Sometimes a short postponement may be all that’s needed to avoid potential damage”, Mr Smart said.

Wine Tasmania continues to work closely with the Tasmania Fire Service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the Parks & Wildlife Service to balance community safety with protecting vineyards. Further information on wine grapes and smoke is available here.

“We invite Tasmanians to celebrate with the hardworking growers and makers around the island at this exciting time of the season. Whether choosing a Tasmanian drop, signing up to help pick grapes at your local vineyard or being understanding of a little late-night activity during harvest, we’re looking forward to another vintage to remember in 2026.”

Media contact: Paul Smart, Viticulture & Winemaking Officer, Wine Tasmania 03 6223 3770.