with poetry competition. Once we heard this heartwarming history, the tree was saved and it became
entwined in the romance of our brand. All these old
stories came out of the wood work – young ladies
attending dances in town 'losing' their chaperones
and slipping away to meet boys under the tree, tea
for two resulting in engagements, and some private
picnics resulting in the growth of the population
of Cromwell. These days the tree is not quite the
secret spot it once was, but we still see plenty of
proposals and host lots of weddings. We love hearing
of couples that shared a bottle of Wooing Tree wine
on their first date, and it has subsequently become
'their' wine to be enjoyed and celebrated throughout
their relationship. Wine and romance really do go
hand in hand!
Another thing we are passionate about is being a part
of our local community. We have a relaxing cellar
door where locals and tourists can come and enjoy a
glass of wine, while their children play on the slide.
We put on events such as the annual 'Tri Wooing
Tree' triathlon and duathlon – even our five year
old takes part! We also support our local ecosystem,
by naming one of our popular pinot noirs 'Beetle
Juice' after the endangered Cromwell Chafer Beetle.
There is a DOC reserve down the road especially put
aside for these rare critters, and we champion their
conservation efforts. We employ local people, and do
our own distribution. It is hard work, and exporting
means it is often 24-7…but this industry has my
heart. It's easy for us to make pinot with passion.
Thea Farquharson
www.wooingtree.co.nz
WINE PICKS
Wooing Tree Tickled
Pink (Central Otago)
This dessert style pinot
noir Rose just begs to be
shared with your sweetie
Richmond Plains
Blanc de Noir (Nelson) –
An unusual white wine
made from Pinot Noir –
variety is the spice of life!
Quartz Reef Chauvet
Methode Traditionelle
(Central Otago) –
A great local bubbly
www.h e rmagaz in e .co.n z | 99
