Delayed 2026 Tasmanian wine grape harvest continues - reminder of the danger smoke poses to wine grapes

With the 2026 Tasmanian wine grape harvest slowly getting underway, Wine Tasmania has issued an urgent reminder of the risk that smoke poses to wine producers, particularly during this unusual later harvest period. Vineyards are particularly susceptible to smoke exposure, which can be devastating for the island’s wine producers, who have worked tirelessly over the past year to manage their vineyards through to harvest time.

Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said that the remaining harvest period through to approximately late May is crucial.

“This has been a very different season to any other over the past three decades. A very cool spring followed by a mild summer and little rainfall has resulted in grapes ripening much slower than usual.​ Some growers have commenced harvesting their first wine grapes some 3-4 weeks later than normal, while some growers haven’t even commenced harvesting yet. This means that harvest activity and fuel reduction fires will overlap this season more than any other season in recent times.”

“The cool and windy spring has also impacted on anticipated yields, with a forecast reduction in wine production of around 50-60% on last year. This has made the 2026 season even more challenging and more expensive, so we’re very keen to safely bring in the harvest this year without any extra complications caused by smoke from neighbouring areas and properties.”

“The good news is that a slower season like this can elevate flavour profile in our wines and we’re anticipating high quality and fruit intensity in the resultant wines.”

“We understand the need for fuel reduction fires to occur to support community safety and that fire can be a management tool for other agriculture. 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.”

If you are planning to light a fire, please get in touch directly with nearby wine producers to discuss proposed timing, progress on harvesting and potential risks. You can also contact Wine Tasmania on 03 6223 3770 for further information and details of nearby wine producers or contact the TFS on 1800 000 699. Further information on wine grapes and smoke is available here.

Further information: Sheralee Davies, Wine Tasmania’s CEO, or Paul Smart, Wine Tasmania’s Viticulture & Winemaking Officer on 03 6223 3770.