Grape crop a hot prospect

Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers chairman Michael Henley said the scorchers in January and February meant the region was trending towards the warmest grape growing season in about five years. “If the good weather continues, we’re going to have a very good vintage with an early harvest.” He said 2013 and 2014 vintages were great while the 2015 vintage was just good, but 2016 looked a strong prospect to top all three.