The devastation wrought on grapes by the long-running drought and last summer's catastrophic bushfires has led to some cellar doors in the district running low on wine stocks in the lead up to Christmas.
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"Some wineries didn't get to make a 2020 vintage and I know there are some that are lower on stock," said Tom Ward, who runs Swinging Bridge Wines and is president of the Orange Regional Vignerons Association (ORVA).
Mr Ward said an increase recently in tourism numbers, in part due to travel restrictions during COVID, and the general rise in popularity of the cool climate wines produced in the district over the last decade had also contributed to the lack of stock.
"The good news is a lot of people have been purchasing and supporting local products, and it's been amazing to have that support," he said.
Mr Ward said that due to concerns about not being able to supply loyal local drinkers, he had chosen to withdraw some of his wine from the wholesale market and keep it for the cellar door.
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While he said "we shouldn't fear that there'll be no wine", he advised those wanting to buy local drops for the Christmas period to consider doing so soon.
Terry Dolle from Orange Mountain Wines was one of many who endured back to back bad news as drought reduced the crop load, and then smoke taint destroyed what was left.
"It wrecked grapes all around the area," said Mr Dolle.
His usual haul of 30 to 40 tonnes of grapes was reduced to nothing, meaning there was no 2020 vintage to sell.
"Financially it's had a big impact," he said.
Mr Ward said Swinging Bridge would release a 2020 vintage "and it looks good".
He said there were good early signs for a bumper 2021 harvest.
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