There's bitter disappointment for growers who supply the three major wineries which released their indicative prices in recent days.

Many are still running under the cost of production from last season, and prices aren't much different.

Mark McKenzie, Murray Valley Winegrowers: "Growers would be rightfully disappointed at the first outing. Our view is, it's indicative only. It's quite early in what's been the traditional cycle of price release. They have to do it over the code of conduct."

Murray Valley Winegrowers is still grappling with an exodus of growers and is warning wineries to be very careful.

Mark McKenzie: "So they're running the risk that they are going to start to cut into their mainstream high quality growers unless they pay better prices."

Mr McKenzie says popular varieties like merlot are paying well, but gordo and cabernet prices remain stagnant.

Mark McKenzie says this season looks set to produce a light crop, which means winegrape growers are now hoping for hot and dry weather conditions to get the best value out of their grapes.

Mark McKenzie: " Unfortunately with an outlook of a lighter year and only moderately improve prices for those select number of wanted varieties, albeit the major varieties which we have the most of, with lighter yields that's going to have an even greater impact on them."

The second-tier wineries are expected to make their announcements early in the new year, when the vintage is underway.