Both red and white varieties seem to be doing well but if dry conditions continue yields may be a little light on, however quality will not be compromised.

Chief Winemaker with Agnew Wines (Pooles Rock, Audrey WIlkinson and Cockfighter's Ghost) Xanthe Hatcher said the 2020 vintage is off to a great start.

"We have thankfully had good rainfall recently which set the vines up for a healthy budburst and will encouraged the growth of a strong canopy," she said.

"We had 20mm of rainfall just before budburst and 43mm just after it which was excellent timing."

Xanthe said the soil profile remains very dry leading to a decrease in the amount of cultivation carried out.

"At this stage budburst is even and each shoot is fruitful with two bunches on each.

"If the drier conditions continue we will contemplate crop thinning which will reduce our yields," she said.

"Reds and whites are both looking healthy and strong and the older and more established blocks have proved to be more resilient.

"Our older Semillon and Chardonnay are looking great."

Boydell's vigneron Daniel Maroulis said the 2020 vintage was off to a great start with a very welcome 80mm of rain.

"But the forecast is for another hot dry summer," he said.

"In the last three vintages we have experienced well above average temperatures with the last two vintages being exceptionally dry also.

"The ongoing drought has meant a 20 to 30 per cent decrease in yield across most varieties, the upside of a hot dry summer is an increase in quality," Daniel said.

"One variety that thrives in our warm climate is Verdelho. Originating from Portugal, Verdelho has been bred to excel in our hot dry conditions. The extra sunlight intensity and increase in day degrees bids well for its dry, aromatic, tropical flavours.

Boydell's, located at Gresford, will showcase its range at the winery's soon to open cellar door and restaurant in Morpeth.