The 2026 harvest at The Landing is now complete, marking the end of a season shaped by above‑average temperatures, high humidity and periods of rain across the Bay of Islands. Despite these challenges, fruit quality remained sound across all varieties, and the team successfully brought in a final yield of just over 50 tonnes, in line with expectations.

Growing Season Overview

The 2025/2026 season was one of the warmest years on record nationally and Northland followed that pattern.

  • Spring was late to arrive for the vines, a hangover from the wet and mild winter that resulted in very uneven budburst and lower than average fruitfulness. Once the soil dried out, early vine growth was strong and flowering generally successful.
  • Early summer continued with warm, stable weather that supported fruit set and development. Canopy growth was even and the vineyard team were busy in this most crucial time setting the vines up to go into the ripening phase.
  • Mid–late summer included periodic rainfall and elevated humidity, increasing disease pressure and requiring close attention to fruit condition. This unsettled weather through ripening highlighted the importance of early and mid season canopy management work.

Harvest Timing and Progress

Harvest began on 2 February, starting with the early white varieties. The team worked block‑by‑block through February and March, adjusting picking decisions based on ripeness, weather windows and fruit condition.
Despite the challenges of a warm, humid season, fruit came into the winery clean and well‑balanced.

Winemaker Ben Byrne notes:
“Sugar levels were on the lower side this year, but fruit flavours were good and the late blocks in particular performed well. The vineyard team did excellent work in a difficult season.”

The 2026 vintage presented weather‑related challenges, but the vineyard and winery teams managed conditions effectively. Yields aligned with expectations, fruit integrity remained solid, and the season is expected to produce wines with freshness, moderate alcohol and good varietal clarity.

More updates on the 2026 wines will be shared as they progress through the winery.