While many Marlborough wine companies are gearing up for an influx of overseas workers for vintage at the end of next month, smaller boutique wineries will carry on with minor staffing changes. Villa Maria Estate Marlborough chief winemaker George Geris said the usual number of 50 to 60 employees would begin work about the third week of March for the grape harvest. Workers were an international brigade, including from the United States, Italy, Chile, Poland, Brazil, Australia, France, Belgium, and Spain, reports The Marlborough Express.

People thought Central Otago’s wine pioneers were one grape short of a bunch when they first planted vines in the region: way too cold to ripen grapes there, it was maintained. Decades later and the Pinot Noir from Central Otago’s cool climes is regarded as hot stuff in the world of wine, with events such as the recent Central Otago Pinot Celebration attracting aficionados from near and far, writes Jo Burzynsca in The New Zealand Herald.

Boutique Barossa Valley winery Hentley Farm has been awarded a $25,000 State Government grant to go towards converting a 1880s barn into a high-end restaurant and function centre. Regional Development and Tourism Minister, Gail Gago, said the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund (RDIF) grant would assist the Seppeltsfield based winery to attract more customers and visitors, particularly from overseas, reports the Stock Journal.

A growth rate of 1,000 per cent would be welcome in any industry. But it’s particularly impressive in the wine industry which has had a tough time in recent years. West Australian wine producer Ferngrove has grown its Chinese exports dramatically over the past 10 months after adopting a new approach to marketing and distribution, reports ABC Rural.

The hosts of a delegation of Chinese trade representatives believe their visitors will take a positive message about Orange wine back home with them. Representatives of retail stores and restaurants were among the delegation that toured Orange this week under the Wine Australia Regional Heroes Foundation Partnership Program. The program aims to increase export opportunities in key overseas markets for a selection of Australian wine regions, including Orange, reports Central Western Daily.

South Australia’s wet weather has thrown much of the state’s winegrape harvest into upheaval. Heavy falls have hit key regions at a critical time. Rain totals in the past 24 hours include 26.8 millimetres at Clare, 24.8 at Nuriootpa and 62mm at Renmark. The chairman of the state’s winegrape council, Simon Berry, says potential disease problems are just part of what is a worrying weather event, reports ABC News.

Australian Vintage, owner of the McGuigan, Tempus Two and Nepenthe brands, increased sales to the UK and Europe by 9 per cent in the half year to December 31 despite a record high Australian dollar. Australian Vintage’s sales were up 4.4 per cent overall to $116.4 million, a result chief financial officer Mike Noack attributed to the company’s strong performance in Europe, reports The Shout.

Marlborough is emerging as one of the most exciting regions to watch for New Zealand Pinot Noir, according to a number of the country’s top producers. Steve Smith MW, founder of Craggy Range, believes the international thirst for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has lead to an interest in the region’s fledgling Pinots, reports The Drinks Business. “Not many producers will admit this, but the success of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has opened the door for Marlborough Pinot Noir,” he said.

Riesling … an international wine of mystery and intrigue, loved by wine buffs, misunderstood by most and loathed by those still scarred by a previous bad experience. Leading the charge toward a Riesling revival worldwide is New York-based restauranteur and wine bar entrepreneur, Paul Grieco. The Riesling evangelist was recently on a whistle-stop tour of New Zealand, extolling the virtues of this sadly misunderstood grape, writes John Hawkesby in The New Zealand Herald.

It looks like a very promising year for the Langhorne Creek wine region. Langhorne Creek Grape Growers Association Chair, Phil Reilly said “it is without a doubt the best vintage in years.” “Brilliant white grapes are already off the vines and the fruit is excellent,” Mr Reilly said. “The reds will have a strong phenomenal colour this vintage… there will definitely be quality wines from the Langhorne Creek region this year.” This year’s vintage begun early due to the hot weather in February, reports the Victor Harbor Times.