High profile Central Otago winery Domaine Thomson Wines has identified a gap in the Central Otago venue market opening its quality cellar door facilities to a range of events including weddings and corporate and private functions.

The 20-year-old New Zealand family-owned organic vineyard and wine producer launched its cellar door and wine tasting outlet last year in a purpose-built architecturally designed complex at the company’s 14-hectare Pinot Noir vineyard close to Cromwell.

“Due to the success of this venture combined with feedback from visitors about the cellar door’s ideal location as a venue we have created an event and venue hire package,” says Domaine Thomson Wines operations manager Kate Barnett.

“Over the past unsettled and tumultuous year, due to Covid-19, we have been overwhelmed by visitor numbers and local support. Our beautiful setting and intimate spaces have led to numerous enquiries from guests about holding functions such as family celebrations and corporate activities at the vineyard and we see this as a natural progression.”

She says the recent appointment of Ashlyn Monk as event manager to oversee the exclusive package being offered underlines Domaine Thomson’s commitment to providing an exceptional service.

“For people who have been searching for an outstanding event venue, where great food and even better wine is a priority, Domaine Thomson Wines’ cellar door is the perfect solution,” says Ashlyn “Our unique space suits all types of events from celebratory canapes to special ceremonies, private lunches, business meetings and presentations.”

The Domaine Thomson cellar door is open seven days a week from 11.00 am until 5.00pm offering tastings of both their Central Otago and French wines. The vineyard is located at 46 Clark Road, opposite the Pisa Moorings turnoff, 12 kilometres north of Cromwell.

Cellar door Private Lunches

The Domaine Thomson private lunch experience at the winery’s cellar door is attracting strong interest from food and wine lovers, according to operations manager Kate Barnett.

“The private homestyle platter lunch at our cellar door at Clark’s road in Lowburn is a relaxed, rustic and intimate experience. Family groups and friends come here and explore our beautiful space, soak up the stunning environment and enjoy grazing on a long lunch served by seasoned professionals.”

The lunches cater for any thing from four to 20 guests and Kate says they recommend starting the day with a private tasting of Domaine Thomson’s signature Central Otago and French wines, then sampling bottle or glass pours in their elegant gallery room or library.

Honouring Early Surveyor

The Domaine Thomson label honours owner David Hall-Jones’ great-great grandfather John Turnbull Thomson who was the first surveyor to explore most of Otago and Southland in the 1850s. David says having their winery  nestled beneath the Pisa Range, named by Thomson, is very meaningful to him and his wife PM.

“When I drink our Pinot Noir, aptly named Surveyor Thomson and Explorer, I imagine the glow of an explorer’s campfire or the click and spark of horseshoes, during my great-great-grandfather John Thomson Turnbull’s surveying expeditions as chief surveyor for Otago. Ultimately, for me to drink our Pinot Noir is to experience the rich history of Central Otago.” David Hall-Jones