Central Otago: Cromwell

The area's history goes back to the days of the Otago gold rush of the 1860s, when settlers flocked to the mountains and rivers in Central Otago in search of fortune. In 1989, Olssens planted the first vineyard along Felton Road in Bannockburn's southern subregion.

According to the area covered by vines, the Cromwell Basin wine region is the most significant area of Central Otago. Although the original vineyards are concentrated at the southern end, close to the town of Cromwell, they are planted intermittently along the valley for 35 kilometers. 

Today, Cromwell Basin it is an important spot for wine production, producing rich, fruit-driven red wines from Pinot Noir of which is by far the most planted variety. Smaller areas of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris are also found cultivated.

Northburn is a sub-region situated north of the town of Cromwell. Its specific micro-terroir produces wines of structure and intensity. Located on the south-eastern banks of lake Dunstan, Northburn’s vineyards stretch up the extreme western slopes, which prevents vines from spring frosts. There, in the heart of Central Otago, lies the Stag's Run Vineyard – the home of Midalidare New Zealand Central Otago Single Vineyard Stag's Run Pinot Noir.

The area enjoys the dry, warm continental climate typical of the Cromwell Basin. Very hot days are followed by much colder nights, extending the growing season and contributing to the development of both rich fruit flavors and acidity in the grapes. The low annual rainfall, around 400 mm, gives a good deal of control over the vineyards through the use of irrigation with glacier water from the lake. 

The soils are alluvial - brown forest and pallic, typical for Central Otago. Pallic soils are mainly formed from fine wind-deposited loess and are characterized by pale coloured subsoils, due to low contents of iron oxides. The soils are dry in summer and wet in winter with weak structure and high density in subsurface horizons. The stress that these soils inflict on the vines is highly conducive to premium viticulture and the creation of fine wine. Stressed vines will focus their energies on creating high-quality grapes rather than leafy foliage and will grow deep root systems to access the water deeper in the earth.

The Pinot Noir vines are at an average age of 12 years. The clone is selected and grown in New Zealand. Although not certified, vineyards are farmed organically. The climate is relatively dry, and irrigation water from the Lake Dunstan is used when necessary. The forming is double vertical shoot positioning (VSP or double guyot). The yield is controlled and reduced depending on the vintage. Regulation of production is twofold - green pruning and veraison pruning.