Our Vineyards

Considerable research by Stewart Elms (hence the Elm tree logo) in 1991 identified the north facing slopes at the end of Felton Road, Bannockburn as being one of the warmest and most ideal sites in Central Otago for the growing and production of premium wine. Heat summation data and soil maps of the area, developed as a result of the construction of the Clyde dam, were helpful in this decision. The three different soils identified are free draining with low fertility characteristics, and combined with the unique climate, are ideal for the production of premium quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Our vineyards are managed by our own viticulturist, Gareth King, and his team of dedicated staff. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking and bunch thinning are all carried out by hand as required to ensure optimum quality fruit. Inter-row planting of various different cover crops in order to assist in controlling vine vigour, and to improve soil health and general biodiversity. Mulch is also used in drier parts of the vineyard to help retain moisture, minimise the requirement for irrigation, and to balance areas of lighter more free draining soils. Organic compost is made utilising the winery waste, and organic cow manure and straw.

Since 2002 the vineyards have been managed organically and biodynamically. Pruning is carried out to leave desired bud numbers thus ensuring moderate controllable yields and to create an even, light penetrable canopy. Irrigation is usually necessary during the later dry summer months. Soil moisture levels are carefully monitored and water is applied only when necessary to maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. All grapes are carefully hand picked, keeping separate any quality differences within blocks due to clones, rootstocks and viticultural trials.

The Elms

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Planting began in 1992, and by 1994, 11 hectares were planted. Blocks 10, 11 & 12 were planted in spring 2001 using the new Dijon clones of Pinot Noir (113, 114, 115, 667 and 777) on a variety of low vigour rootstocks. These new blocks are planted with a higher density of vines per hectare (4000 vines/ha versus 2667 for the initial plantings), where lower yields per vine are expected to contribute significantly towards quality. Block 13 was planted behind the winery in spring 2002 at a vine density of 6667 vines/ha. This is a small trial (0.6 ha) to determine how the vines and grapes differ when grown at such high vine density (similar to that in Burgundy), on our Bannockburn soils and climate. Other clones of Pinot Noir grown include AM 10/5, UCD 5, UCD 6, UCD 13, D5V12 and Abel. Block 3 is perfectly north facing with a deep topsoil layer of wind blown loess. Varieties are allocated to each block according to what is thought to be the best soil type/variety relationship, Pinot Noir on the heavier higher clay content soils, Chardonnay and Riesling on the lighter more gravelly soils. A range of clones and rootstocks exist in each variety. Planting on The Elms was completed in spring 2002 with Block 13 (behind the new winery extensions), utilising the final suitable land. The Elms is now fully planted at 14.6 hectares comprised of 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Riesling.

Cornish Point
Another estate vineyard, Cornish Point, with 7.5 hectares planted started producing with the 2003 vintage. Cornish Point is stunningly situated at the opposite end of Bannockburn to Felton Road, just across Lake Dunstan from the old town of Cromwell. It is similarly positioned near historic gold mining sites being at the convergence of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. It has been meticulously developed by Nigel Greening (Felton Road proprietor) to become a Pinot Noir laboratory, with 7 ha planted to 18 different combinations of Pinot Noir clones and rootstocks. Chardonnay (Dijon clone 95) is planted on the remaining 0.5 ha.