As the 2026 vintage unfolds across South Australia, conditions are varying by region, with common themes of delayed ripening, heat impacts and ongoing cost pressures. Below is a region by region snapshot from Elders viticulture specialists, highlighting seasonal conditions, crop progress and key challenges facing growers.
The Riverland
Nicole Pitman, Elders Agronomist, Barmera
The Riverland is experiencing one of its lowest levels of powdery mildew infection in many years. Favourable weather conditions from a disease perspective have significantly reduced rejection rates this season.
Prolonged hot weather over the past few months however, has had a noticeable impact on ripening and has increased vine water requirements. Growers with sufficient water allocations have been able to irrigate in line with seasonal demand, but hot, dry conditions have driven increased demand for leased water, with prices currently around $440 per megalitre.
The region recorded an extreme temperature of 49.6°C on 27 January, highlighting the intensity of the season.
Harvest is well underway, with Chardonnay largely completed and early red varieties now being picked. Overall, yields are estimated to be down by approximately 20 per cent.
Have you heard? The Riverland Viti Tech Group has also participated in collaborative trial work with SARDI focusing on powdery mildew resistance. Samples were collected earlier in the season, with results expected later in the year. This represents one of the largest powdery mildew sample sets delivered to SARDI, and the outcomes will be of significant interest to the industry.
Limestone Coast
Fil Farina, Elders Agronomist, Naracoorte
Across the Limestone Coast, there has been a greater uptake of vineyard technology during the current vintage, which is tracking around 10 to 14 days later than average.
Technology such as soil moisture probes has allowed growers to operate as efficiently as possible and reduce water costs per hectare compared to an average season.
Plant health products aimed at alleviating vine stress have also seen increased adoption, with products such as kelp and kaolin clay helping to reduce heat and moisture stress. Petiole testing and nutrient programs have also come under closer scrutiny.
Timings and application rates per hectare are critical for all products applied, enabling growers to maintain vine health and fruit quality. This in turn supports improved prices per tonne and helps ensure a strong return on investment.
Barossa and Eden Valleys
Felicity Cox, Elders Agronomist, Roseworthy
The Barossa and Eden Valleys are experiencing similar conditions to other regions, with the vintage tracking at least two weeks behind average. Recent heatwaves have only exacerbated this delay.
Spray programs have followed a minimalist approach due to low disease pressure, helping growers reduce input costs across their businesses.
Crops appear lighter than average at this stage, although this will be confirmed as harvest progresses.
Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale
James Hook, DJ Growers Senior Agronomist, McLaren Vale
Regions closer to Adelaide experienced maximum temperatures approximately 2°C above the long term average throughout January, contributing to increased vine water demand during the peak of summer.
Despite warmer conditions, the 2026 vintage is tracking a few weeks behind last season across both McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Most vineyards are now expected to commence harvest in the final weeks of March, compared with the late summer harvest timing typical for many blocks.
Beyond seasonal conditions, economic pressures remain the most significant challenge for growers. The Elders team continues to explore practical ways to support grape growers and has volunteered assistance in addressing critical industry issues.
Have you heard? The McLaren Vale Viticultural Reference Group, chaired by DJ’s Growers / Elders Agronomist Jen Pedder, alongside long time volunteer members Derek Cameron and James Hook, launched a post recycling initiative on 17 February. The Timber Circularity Project is an industry funded program aimed at developing practical pathways for recycling vineyard waste posts, supporting improved environmental outcomes and cost efficiencies for growers.
