ORANGE wineries are bracing themselves for a horror 2012 vintage.
Some wineries estimate yield volumes will be down up to 70 per cent on last year as cold, wet weather continues to wreak havoc on grape vines.
Orange Region Vignerons’ Association president David Crawley said growers would be disappointed, but consumers would benefit.
"The general consensus is that white wines will be down 30 to 40 per cent, while red wines will be down 40 to 50 per cent," he said.
"While for the growers it will hurt financially, the wines that are being produced will be of the best quality, some of the best for years."
Bloodwood Wines is one such business that expects to suffer.
Business owner Stephen Doyle said his volumes would be down nearly 70 per cent this yield.
"We'll have been here 30 years next year, and in terms of volume it is certainly down the bottom end - probably the worst since 1998," he said.
"But we just have to roll with the punches. We're disappointed with the volume, but really happy with the quality. It's great."
Mr Doyle said 2013's volumes would also be well down.
"This year's cold weather unfortunately impacts next year's crops, and obviously it's been cloudy, dull and wet and not a lot of sunshine," he said.
"So we'll have similar results next year, unfortunately."
Mr Doyle said the next few months would be crucial for the 2014 vintage.
"Well, we hope for rain to keep coming every couple of weeks through until November, then dry until autumn, that would ensure the 2014 crop would be fantastic," he said.
Mr Doyle is now in the process of hand-pruning more than 20,000 vines at the Bloodwood Estate.
He hopes some new and unique techniques will ensure a bumper 2014.