Top winery proposes vineyard village in Central Otago
Leading Central Otago winery Wooing Tree Vineyard has today released plans that will enable the development of a
boutique residential and commercial space designed to complement its wine business in Cromwell.
A zone change will need to be granted by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) to facilitate the development of the
proposed Wooing Tree Estate, which is pegged for the vineyard’s 26-hectare site between SH6, SH8B and Shortcut Road.
While Wooing Tree Vineyard will remain at the site, the new development could include various community amenities,
tourist attractions, retail, accommodation and prime housing lots.
Wooing Tree partners, Geoff and Jane Bews and Steve and Thea Farquharson, believe the change would allow a more fitting
development for the growing town than is currently provided for under the existing zoning.
Designed to accommodate the regional population growth and further enhance Cromwell’s appeal as a premium wine and
tourism destination, Wooing Tree Vineyard co-owner Geoff Bews says the plan they have developed is a step towards
growing Cromwell in a way that will support its tourism, wine and residential interests.
“Tourism development is key for Cromwell and this project offers the opportunity for boutique visitor accommodation and
activities, as well as community amenities for locals,” he says. “We want to support the growth of Cromwell by creating
a desirable living and lifestyle space, featuring sections of various sizes and an exclusive business area, all the
while retaining the feeling of a vineyard village. Our plans provide for far more attractive and suitable growth than
the large lot rural residential sections currently allowed.”
Site concepts have been drawn up by resource management and landscape planning experts Vivian & Espie. Ten per cent of the proposed development is allocated to commercial activity, while the remaining 90 per cent is
reserved for grape vines, residential lots and open spaces. The iconic Wooing Tree, which the vineyard is famously named
after, will take pride of place in a public green area. The development would also provide access to Cromwell’s town
centre and complement the new cycle trail which is proposed to link Cromwell to Clyde, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Wooing Tree Vineyard will seek to change the zoning to a mix of low- to high-density residential and light commercial.
The partners invite informal public feedback on the proposed development before lodging the application with the CODC in
the new year.
“Our vision is to create a community asset that locals will be proud of, as well as a destination that visitors will
enjoy and want to return to,” Bews says. “It’s also of paramount importance for us to ensure that the same care and
attention of which we instill in our wine is applied to the development of our land.”
Proposed infrastructure changes include a new roundabout at the intersection of SH8B and Barry Ave, which would serve as
the main entry and exit route to Wooing Tree Estate. A secondary access point along Shortcut Road is also outlined.
“Throughout the entire process of planning and potential development, it will be business as usual for Wooing Tree
Vineyard,” Bews adds. “We will continue to operate from our premises at 64 Shortcut Road and remain committed to making
superb Central Otago wine.”
ENDS
About Wooing Tree Vineyard
Established in 2002, Wooing Tree Vineyard is a family owned and operated vineyard situated in the heart of Cromwell,
Central Otago. The 26-hectare award-winning vineyard is predominantly planted in pinot noir of multiple rootstocks and
premium clones to give variety and complexity. Owned by Stephen and Thea Farquharson and Jane and Geoff Bews, Wooing
Tree Vineyard is committed to producing top-quality grapes and wine. Located at 64 Shortcut Road, Cromwell, the cellar
door offers wine tastings, sales and platters every day from 10am to 5pm. The vineyard is also available for weddings
and functions. www.wooingtree.co.nz