Grape growers across the region are about to begin picking varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling wines before others ripen during the annual harvest.

Yesterday Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association president, Ted Cox, said this year’s vintage is likely to be slightly early as above average temperatures and less rain has fastened the growing the process.

“The fruit appears to be ripening nicely with no disease threat,” Mr Cox said.

“I know here at Burrundulla our Tempranillo is coming along early.”

After placing a few calls around Mudgee wineries and cellar doors the president said there was a consensus 2015 was looking good.

“I talked to Tony Bryant at Burnbrae and Robert Black at Bunnamagoo. The message was similar with good, clean fruit and no disease around,” Mr Cox said.

“It seems we have avoided some of the storms that have swept the Hunter Valley.

“Some cooler temperatures are finishing off the ripening well.”

During January, Mudgee Airport has recorded a total of 58.2 millimetres of rain – it is currently about 12 millimetres short of the 20-year average. December’s rain  of 66 millimetres also pulled up short of the monthly average at 87.

Regardless, the summer rain was welcome across the Mudgee wine industry, freshening up the vines.

Mr Cox said grape growers across the region would now be watching forecasts and checking baume to select optimum picking times. Ideally little rain is wanted over the next month.