Central Otago grape growers, who are poised to harvest their crops, were unconcerned yesterday by the first frost of the season.
Central Otago Winegrowers Association president Nick Mills, of Wanaka, said it had been a "beautiful " season so far and all the signs were positive for a good harvest.
A frost earlier in the ripening process was more concerning than Tuesday's, he said.
"Most grape growers won't be too worried because maturation [of the crop] has taken place.
"The fruit has probably achieved its ripeness, so there's not too many worries," he said.
It was the first frost this autumn, but freezing nights in spring or earlier in the maturation process were far more damaging.
"We've had a good season and these cold nights followed by warm days are a good thing and help to lock in all that flavour, " Mr Mills said.
He would begin harvesting his crop next week.
Sue Edwards, of Black Ridge Winery at Earnscleugh, said they were likely to start picking their grapes next week too.
"The frost wasn't too much of a problem for us - it's more the spring frosts that are the concern.
"Although the odd rogue autumn frost, like the one in 2004, stripped the leaves off the crop and did cause a few problems.
"The leaves are the powerhouse of the grapes.
"Once they're gone, the fruit doesn't continue ripening and that's not the greatest situation to be in," she said.
Niwa weather recordings taken at Central Stories Museum and Gallery in Alexandra showed the temperature in Pioneer Park dropped to 1degC overnight on Monday and Tuesday but failed to hit zero.
However, museum director Brian Patrick said residents in other parts of the town and in other parts of the district had recorded a frost on Tuesday night.
