"It is looking particularly good at the moment," said Windowrie Estate Winemaker Stephen Craig last week."It is certainly a lot better than last year. Last season there was a lot of rain that affected the crops."

Wet weather hasnChr(39)t proven to be so much of a problem this vintage, with HamiltonChr(39)s Bluff, on the Long Corner Rd, confirming that the dryer weather has improved the outlook for this yearChr(39)s crop.

The forty plus degree celcius temperatures experienced throughout the area recently have only marginally affected the grapes, explained James Andrews of HamiltonChr(39)s Bluff, delaying their ripening and eventual harvesting until later this month at least for Chardonnay.

"Now is perfect though, so weChr(39)re keeping our fingers crossed for more of the same weather."

Another consequence of the heat has meant a reduction in the presence of mould and disease in the grapes, said Mark Ward of Swinging Bridge Estate.

Swinging Bridge is yet to start harvest, with their crop "ripening slowly".

"ItChr(39)s a good sign for quality," Mr Ward said.

"The crops are also fairly heavy - another sign of a potentially good vintage."

With the rain holding off for the present moment, the only major concern is the damage that can be done to crops by starlings.

Starlings can eat and damage up to 30 per cent of a vineyardChr(39)s crop, which is why many residents in and around Canowindra can hear the sounds of gas guns booming every night.

Harvesting of the different varieties of grapes will continue throughout the oncoming weeks with, reds looking like coming off the vines in the middle of next month.