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We take great care to ensure our grapes are of high quality. Our approach is one of minimal intervention. Pruning, canopy management and harvesting are carried out by hand. Yields are very low; typically around 2kg per vine.

 
Stonecroft comprises two vineyards. The original site is at Mere Road, west of Hastings and there is a second vineyard known as the Tokarahi Vineyard at Roy’s Hill. In total 6.5 ha are planted with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay. Both vineyards are hot and dry, with peak summer temperatures consistently between 35˚C and 40˚C. Soils at each site are very stony and free draining. These soils are known as Omahu Gravels.

 

This is the original vineyard with approximately 3 ha of vines. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay are planted here. Our Old Vine Chardonnay and Old Vine Gewürztraminer series are sourced from this vineyard. These vines were planted in 1983. Grapes from Mere Road vineyard contribute aromatics and elegance.

 

Temperatures are marginally higher at this vineyard which lies in a warm, sheltered, north-facing bowl at the foot of Roy’s Hill. There are approximately 3.5 ha of vines at this vineyard; predominantly Syrah with smaller plantings of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer. Grapes from Tokarahi vineyard contribute denser, more intense flavours.