Vintage 2022 has commenced at Cupitt’s Estate, our 14th year of processing grapes and making wine. It’s an incredibly exciting time. 

Head Winemaker Wally Cupitt explains; ‘harvest for us is later this year, which is often the case when Easter is later in April. At Cupitt’s we will commence pressing fruit early-mid March with the parcels coming in from the Hilltops region. We are expecting to get the ball rolling with Riesling, Viognier and Tempranillo. ‘

One of the unique aspects of Cupitt’s is the huge range of varieties we produce each year. Vintage 2022 will be no different with the following grapes expected to be delivered throughout vintage - Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Arneis, Gwertraminer, Riesling, Viognier, Fiano, Albarino (NEW), Pinot Gris, Gruner Vetliner, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz (Canberra & Hilltops). 

The weather plays a big impact on every vintage. This year Australia’s switch in weather systems from El Niño to La Niña means we experienced a much cooler, more humid summer than the previous eight years of heatwaves and drought. Our estate vineyard has sadly been adversely impacted by the heavy rain experienced throughout spring and early summer and unfortunately, we made the call to not harvest this year due to the quality of the grapes. 

Fortunately, the warmer weather of late has been great for the ripening of the vineyards in Hilltops, Orange, Tumbarumba, and the Canberra District where we are sourcing over 100 tonnes of grapes. Each vintage brings with it a unique set of characteristics that change the subtleties in the flavour of the wine – and that's what makes each vintage or year’s harvest so individual and special.

We encourage you to follow the vintage crew this year. Wally, Jasper, Shae and Bec will be working extremely hard to make the finest wine for us to enjoy. Follow the Cupitt Estate socials to keep informed and the hashtag #CupittsV2022