Harvest is under way in Victoria's vineyards to pick grapes for the next vintage, however, winemakers are bracing themselves for a drop in sales as the coronavirus outbreak slows exports to China.

China is the biggest overseas buyer of Victorian wine, accounting for $190 million in exports in 2018-19.

But producers are now anticipating a hit to their bottom line, as people stay away from hotels, bars and restaurants across China to avoid catching the virus.

Peter Dillon, chief winemaker at Handpicked Wines. Credit:Eddie Jim

Leanne De Bortoli, director of De Bortoli Wines, said the outbreak was having a double-edged effect on winemakers who also rely on Chinese tourists spending money at cellar doors.