A November heatwave, national grape glut and high Australian dollar are responsible for what looks to be a disappointing yield and some of the lowest prices offered in 30 years.

Wine Grapes Marketing Board (WGMB) chairman and local grower Bruno Brombal told The Area News some crop varieties were down by between 10 and 50 percent.

"I haven't heard of any varieties that fared as well as last year, although Semillon's been close," he said.

"This is certainly going to be a hard year and we're seeing a lot of depression in growers - that's our concern."

But Mr Bombal remained positive about the industry's ability to bounce back.

"I believe a lot (of growers) will hang on, although a small percentage might leave," he said.

"There have been four times in my life when we've left grapes on the vine, but it always turns around."

Riverina Winemakers' Association president Les Worland said with vintage in full swing, it was still early days.

"Only the early varieties have come in and generally they aren't as ripe," he said.

"Another week or so should show us, but if it keeps raining we might have some problems.

"If we take grapes we have to sell the wine so hopefully (wineries) can sell it and keep growers for next year."

WGMB CEO Brian Simpson said while disappointing for local growers, the fall in production could help to ease the grape glut devastating the industry.

"While crops are down in this region, they're even more down in other regions - in some places growers are going by the hundreds," Mr Simpson said.

"The focus will soon move to the Riverina and if growers can hang on until it does, there will be a good future here."