THE harvest is in full swing for Margan Family Winegrowers at Broke and the chardonnay grapes that have ripened first show all the characteristics that make a fine drop.
Owner and head winemaker Andrew Margan said he and about 12 staff were working hard to get the fruit off the vines while it was in the best condition
"At this time we work around the clock," he said.
Mr Margan said the 8.1 hectares of ripe fruit benefited from excellent conditions, making 2010 a good vintage.
"We had a good wet winter and a nice warm spring," he said.
"So we have both good quality and quantity."
He expects the chardonnay pick to yield about 20,000 litres, which translates into 2000 cases of wine.
Mr Margan said reports of harvests being delayed because of rain did not reflect the situation at Broke.
"We have not had all that much rain," he said.
And he is not hoping for any as he waits for his semillon, verdelho and shiraz varieties to ripen as rain can dilute the fruit's sugar content and make harvest difficult.
"We have 300 acres in all and will pick them when they ripen in the next couple of weeks," he said.
"As long as the weather stays fine."
Mr Margan said he bottled all his varieties under the Margan label and sent about 20 per cent of it overseas.
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