Wooingtree

Central Otago

Wooing Tree Vineyard is a family-owned estate located in the heart of Cromwell, Central Otago - one of New Zealand’s most expressive winegrowing regions. Founded in 2002 by Stephen and Thea Farquharson, together with family, the vineyard has become a local landmark not just for its wines, but also for its namesake: the historic Wooing Tree, a beloved meeting spot now standing proudly among the vines.

Set on 16 hectares, Wooing Tree is planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with smaller parcels of Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Blanc de Noir (known affectionately as “Blondie”). Over two decades, the team has built a reputation for wines that are both generous and finely structured. The vineyard’s close ties to the Cromwell community and landscape give the wines a distinctive identity - one rooted in authenticity, family, and the charm of a region in full expression.

Winemaker and Co-owner

Winemaker and Co-owner

Steve Farquharson

Steve (pictured here with partner Thea), plays an active role in guiding the style and direction of the wines, bringing a background in viticulture and winemaking from Plumpton College in the UK. Steve collaborates closely with the expert team at VinPro, one of Central Otago’s leading winemaking facilities.

Each clone and block is harvested and vinified separately, a labour-intensive process that allows the nuanced differences between soils, exposures, and clonal material to be captured with clarity. Oak use is restrained, aiming to support rather than overshadow the fruit. The results are wines with vibrancy, balance, and a gentle but persistent sense of place. Whether Pinot Noir or their now-iconic Blanc de Noir, Wooing Tree wines favour texture over flash and celebrate the quiet complexity that can be coaxed from Cromwell’s warm days and cool, dry nights.

A Tapestry of Soils

A Tapestry of Soils

The vineyard sits beneath the Pisa Range on a gentle slope within the Cromwell Basin, one of Central Otago’s most dynamic viticultural zones. The climate is semi-continental, defined by long, sun-drenched summers, low rainfall, and wide diurnal temperature swings - perfect for preserving acidity and building flavour.

The vineyard is divided into two blocks with contrasting soil profiles: the southern block, with its lighter, less vigorous soils, encourages restrained growth and concentrated fruit; the northern block is slightly more fertile, requiring thoughtful canopy and yield management. Across the site, Wooing Tree has planted five different Pinot Noir clones, giving rise to ten unique clone-soil combinations. Each is treated individually during harvest and fermentation to highlight its distinctive traits.

The result is a portfolio of wines that reflect both consistency and nuance - a site deeply understood, meticulously farmed, and translated with precision into every vintage.

“The iconic Wooing Tree, a local landmark over a century old, stands proudly in view of our Cellar Door, originally drawing locals seeking romance to “Woo” their lovers, making it a symbol of cherished moments in the community.”

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