Severe weather hasn't put a dampener on the wine industry, who remains optimistic for the year's vintage.  

Harvesting has begun in most of the country's hotspots, with Northland kicking off the season in late January.  

It's the earliest harvest yet as the industry adapts to changing weather patterns.  

New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan it is early, but it’s a continuation of a trend they’ve seen in recent years.  

He says there’s research currently under way to ensure the vines they use will continue to produce grapes with the same great flavours in a world with an earlier harvest. 

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