For the first time in 16 years Ian McMaster has “lucked out” and not found a buyer for his grapes.

He believes on the verge of an otherwise promising 2012 vintage that about 175 tonnes of premium grapes will not make it to wineries here or abroad.

“I knew my time was coming and now my time is up,” Mr McMaster said.

He knows the problem is not just occurring on his vineyard and it is no secret Mudgee vineyards have pulled out vines in recent years.

“There are vineyards around the region in a similar situation and have slowed harvesting over the past four years,” he said.

The local vintner will continue to manage his grapes as though they were to be harvested in 2012.

“I’m weighing up my options but something [from the vineyard] is likely to be pulled out before next season,” he said.

“Here in Mudgee we haven’t really seen a downturn in our economy and that’s likely due to the mines”

About 40 percent of vines could be pulled from his property if little interest is shown in purchasing his grapes.

He said it was disappointing in a good season to lose premium fruit but knew wineries were taking different directions in a time of grape glut and financial priorities.

Mr McMaster and wife Rita have been managing their Gulgong vineyard from 1995 when the first Cabernet grapes were planted.

Every year since their grapes have been sold under contract to local wineries.

The Gulgong couple complete all vineyard management on their property with additional help only coming at harvest.

But Mr McMaster said much like the rest of Australia he faced tough times and choices ahead.

“Here in Mudgee we haven’t really seen a downturn in our economy and that’s likely due to the mines,” he said.

“The area hasn’t been affected with casual labour opportunities but there are certainly not as many jobs on the land as there once were.”

He said export markets were also drying up due to the Australian dollar and selling grapes to other wine regions was not viable as most already had enough.

- Are you a local vigneron wanting to share your 2012 vintage story?

You can reach the Mudgee Guardian on 0263721455 or email darren.snyder@ruralpress.com