The 2016 Viticulture Model Vineyard Benchmarking report was completed for Marlborough in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Wine.
- The 2016 harvest produced a record yield for the model at an average of 15.1 tonnes per hectare. Sauvignon Blanc yielded an average of 16.5 tonnes per hectare, a 41 percent increase compared with 2015. Pinot Noir produced its highest yield to date at 8.6 tonnes per hectare, up 62 percent compared with 2015.
- Berry numbers and weights were well above the long term average due to favourable climatic conditions. This
was due to a warm ripening period and timely rainfall events. - Wineries actively sought more grapes in 2016 after a small crop in 2015 leading to a relaxing of yield caps.
- Overall price per tonne was up 5 percent compared with 2015.
- Vineyard working expenses increased 7 percent compared with 2015 and were 19 percent higher than the 10 year average 2006-15.
- Profit before tax was $444 700, marginally lower than 2008. This was due to the combination of high yields
and increased price. - Growers continue to be cautiously optimistic with some expressing concerns about future over-supply. They forecast similar prices but reduced yields in 2017.