Early indicators are that the 2026 vintage in the Clare Valley will produce wines of purity, balance and regional character – particularly for the region’s celebrated Riesling.
That is according to the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA).
However, the growing season presented a few challenges, with variable conditions requiring careful vineyard management and considered decision-making as harvest approached.
“A cool start to the season and welcome spring rainfall supported strong canopy health, while intermittent rainfall through March brought periods of pressure, placing a premium on timing, site selection and attention to detail in the vineyard,” the CVWGA says.
“In well-managed sites, fruit condition remained sound with only low levels of disease observed.
“In some cases, growers made disciplined choices not to harvest all fruit, ensuring that quality remained the defining priority.”
Association chair Olivia Hoffmann Barry says seasons like this highlight the Clare Valley’s depth of experience, its intimate understanding of site, and a culture of shared knowledge across the region.
“Our wine community has navigated a complex season with skill and patience,” she says.
“The fruit that was harvested is showing excellent quality with bright, well-defined flavours and a clear sense of regional character.”
Across the region, early ferments and tastings reveal wines of clarity and precision, shaped as much by the season as by the decisions made in response to it.
“Variation across subregions and picking windows is expected to deliver a diverse and expressive vintage, reflecting the individuality of sites and styles,” Olivia says.
Riesling is already emerging as a standout.
“Early indications point to wines with vibrant citrus expression, lifted aromatics and fine, persistent acidity.
“Encouragingly, yields of high-quality Riesling have remained solid, ensuring good availability to meet growing global demand for the variety.”
Michael Kane from Knappstein Wines says, “There is no perfect growing season, they all bring their challenges.
“It’s our role as growers and winemakers to respond to those conditions and capture the best of what the vineyard offers.
“In 2026, that has resulted in wines of exceptional quality, with fine Rieslings and classic, medium-bodied reds that speak clearly of Clare Valley.”
Beyond Riesling, other white varieties such as Fiano are showing strong results, reflecting the region’s evolving varietal landscape.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a particular highlight among the reds in the region, with dry conditions up to veraison leading to smaller berries.
“This, coupled with an extended ripening period (hang time) resulted in wines with intense varietal expression, depth and structure,” the CVWGA says.
“Shiraz and Grenache are also showing excellent promise, contributing to a vintage defined by refined elegance and superb balance between fruit and tannin elements.
“The 2026 vintage reflects a shared commitment across the region to craftsmanship, adaptability, and respect for the land.
“It is a season that underscores the value of experience and the rewards of careful, considered viticulture.”
Photo: Hill River Wines.