Easter heralds the start of the harvest for the bulk of the district's grapegrowers, so nets have been removed from the ripe fruit and teams of pickers are removing the crop from vines sporting autumn colours.
Felton Road vineyard in Bannockburn is about half-way through its harvest, viticulturist Gareth King said this week.
"We started about a week ago and I'd say we've picked about 50% of the grapes so far," Mr King said. "The quality is beautiful."
He described it as a "moody" growing season but the grapes had lots of flavour.
The team of pickers at Felton Road included people from France, Germany, the United States and Sweden as well as from New Zealand.
Pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling were the varieties being harvested.
Central Otago Winegrowers Association president Nick Mills, of Wanaka, said most growers were picking their crops now. The grapes at his vineyard - Rippon - would not be ready for about another week.
"It all depends what varieties you grow and what the weather's been like," Mr Mills said.
He had heard of one small vineyard at Cromwell that had already finished its harvest.
There seemed to be no problem getting enough pickers this year, he said.
"The peak probably won't be for another week or so but it's looking fine so far, staff-wise."
It was difficult to estimate the crop volume at this stage.
The season had been challenging for some growers early on, with frosts in November and cold, blustery conditions during summer.
