Growers exit industry as many grapple with economic squeeze

Harvesting is in full swing in almost every vineyard across eastern Australia and this year, more than ever, it is a race to get ripened grapes picked in time. An early spring and erratic summer weather meant harvesting in some regions began a month earlier than usual. In most wine regions it is likely to be finished weeks earlier than normal. But in the inland wine producing regions some growers will not bother to harvest their grapes as Australia’s wine industry faces a period of rationalisation. Growers who do not have contracts to sell their harvest to wineries face the prospect of unwanted fruit — another year of financial loss.