Central Otago grape harvest kicks off early

After months of pruning, thinning, frost-fighting and growing – plump, sugary, juicy bunches of grapes have started to be picked across Central Otago vineyards. Burn Cottage Vineyard, an organic and biodynamic vineyard in the Cromwell basin, is one of the first vineyards to start harvesting its pinot noir grapes for 2016. Vineyard manager Shane Livingstone said a hot, dry summer had meant the harvest had started slightly earlier this season.