So far it has been a relatively cool and wet summer in Stawell with just eight days above 30 degrees in January and 110 millimeters of rain recorded in the month, including more than 50 millimeters on Friday January 29.

According to Grampians Estate owner Tom Guthrie, these are favourable conditions for wineries in the region as they build toward this year's vintage.

"We have had a cool season with some natural rainfall, so the cooler season should mean a longer ripening period which should enhance the quality of the crop," he said

"We are looking forward to a really high quality crop this year and our crops, particularly around Great Western, are looking fantastic.

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'Wineries in our region are typically focussed on quality over quantity, so to the chance of a high quality crop is great for our reputation and the region's reputation."

"There is nothing like natural rainfall to maximise the crop and I think the vines are responding well to a below average year last year and so they are over-compensating this year.

"Generally the spring and the summer has been relatively cool, and that will push out the harvesting period.

"The longer the harvest period means you can get extra flavour development in the fruit and that's what makes this part of the world a special place to grow cool-climate shiraz."

Mr Guthrie said the cooler weather conditions and increased rain was 'welcome news' local winemakers after a tough 2020.

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"12 months ago we had the smallest crop in 20 years, and then COVID came along and then we had China playing politics with our exports, so we really had a triple-banger with a poor crop, COVID and China," he said.

"But the main thing for us is we get a high quality crop and that is looking great at this stage and I think after the year we had, all the local winemakers are really looking forward to this year's vintage."

Mr Guthrie said thunderstorms, like the one that drenched Stawell in late January can be damaging to the vines if they carry hail.

"That is always the risk when you get thunderstorms, because hail shreds all the leaves and damage the fruit," he said.

"Summer rainfall or large rainfall events are always an issue in terms of disease in the vines.

"So from the humidity, Downy Mildew can grow, and that is something we are on the lookout for at the moment, but we can just give the vines a few extra sprays of the vineyard to make sure they stay healthy."

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