Nigel Dolan, Barossa-based Wyndham Estate winemaker, said vineyards had a much better “launching pad” for the 2010 vintage compared to recent years.

Besides a couple of heat waves, conditions for growing grapes have been reasonably mild.

“The heat events don’t appear to have stressed the vines too severely,” Mr Dolan said.

“It all adds up to potentially good quality.”

While crop estimations vary across the region, as well as between varieties, it is still expected the results of previous dry years will keep tonnages down from record highs.

Average rainfall results and milder conditions will see vintage return to a more traditional timing

“I suspect it will be similar to last year,” Nigel said. “So we are on track for normal timing.”

Jeff Laycock, from Dirt Road Vineyards at Greenock, offered an insight into what has been happening in his vineyard.

“We are looking pretty good, the heat spells didn’t affect us apart from losing a few basal leaves,” he said. (Basal leaves are those at the base of the vine, the first to emerge.)

“Based on measuring at veraison, it’s looking like there is some normal weight to bunches. (Veraison - when grapes change colour.)

“On top of that, the early good rains have forced the vines to push through on all spurs so there are a more canes-per-spur leading to more fruit.”

Some Barossa wineries have begun crushing fruit from other South Australian regions, but Barossa grapes are not yet ready to pick.

The crushers at Orlando (Rowland Flat), Wolf Blass and Yalumba (Oxford Landing - Moppa) have already been in action with white varieties from the Riverland and some red grapes from the Southern Flinders. More red grapes are expected to arrive from the Riverland this week.