Is El Nino set to destroy wine making in our favourite region?
<p>Marlborough wine growers have been warned to prepare, manage and conserve ahead of this summer's El Nino weather conditions that were last seen almost 20 years ago.</p>
<p>More than 100 winegrowers packed into a lecture theatre at the Marlborough Research Centre, in Blenheim, on Tuesday to hear what could be expected from this year's El Nino.</p>
<p>The capacity turnout showed how seriously wine growers viewed the next five to six months.</p>
<p>Wine growers were cautioned to monitor soil moisture, manage berry growth, and conserve water resources.</p>
<p>Plant and Food Research scientist Rob Agnew told the meeting weather conditions so far, as recorded by NIWA, were similar to El Nino in 1997-1998.</p>
<p>Previous El Nino events in 1972-73, 1982-83 and 1997-98 were all extremely dry summers.</p>
<p>But vineyards should be prepared for any eventuality.</p>
<p>"There has been little rainfall in the past eight weeks in Marlborough so there is a strong likelihood this pattern will continue through the summer.</p>
<p>"El Nino events tend to bring westerly winds with below average temperatures.</p>
<p>"In saying that we had above average temperatures in October."</p>
<p>A total of 361.4 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Marlborough up to October 31, the fourth lowest total for 86 years.</p>
<p>The lowest rainfall total for January to October was 305.1mm in 1969.</p>
<p>"Wine growers take a strong interest in water restrictions and they need to think how to conserve water and prepare for restrictions," Agnew said.</p>
<p>Marlborough District Council hydrologist Val Wadsworth said Water flow from the Wairau River had not yet reached the lowest levels recorded.</p>
<p>The Wairau River was "moderately low" but water restrictions were on the cards for wine growers if NIWA forecast predictions eventuated, he said.</p>
<p>"We have seen it lower at this time of the year in previous years, and a significant rainfall can turn around the level.</p>
<p>"It is like a leaky bike tyre, it needs to be pumped up, or refilled, with a series of floods to keep it at high level."</p>
<p>Not all of Marlborough would be affected in the same way by an El Nino weather event.</p>
<p>"In 1997-98 the Wairau River was very low but there was no shut off of water.</p>
<p>"We are shaping up for a good, hard summer, and all we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst."</p>
<p>Sileni Estate viticulturist Stephen Bradley said wine growers would have to manage with less water in spite of fruit yield expected to be similar to the big 2014 harvest despite the cooler, drier conditions.</p>
<p>"We have had a cool, frosty spring but the prediction is warmer conditions near Christmas to ripen the fruit but you also need water to help in the ripening."</p>
<p>Viticulture consultant Jim Mercer, of Fruition Services, said much would depend on when water restrictions were made.</p>
<p>"If the water is switched off for irrigation close to harvest it will not be as serious as if it is cut off in early January," he said.</p>
<p>Written by Mike Watson. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stuff.co.nz</strong></span></a>.</p>
