There is a distinct hint of Aurum Wines owner and winemaker, Lucie Lawrence's French heritage present in the décor for her latest venture – Aurum Vineyard Accommodation in Cromwell. The elegant vintage styled self-contained Loft and the Cottage feature delicate hues of blue, soft grey, timber and natural fabrics. They are surrounded by established cottage gardens with an elevated view to vineyards, orchards, mountains and Lake Dunstan.  Aurum wines are also expanding their vineyard on this site, with new plantings undertaken in 2018. As the vines grow, this will soon make for a true 'vineyard stay' option for guests.

As you drive up the tree lined driveway to your accommodation you quickly become immersed in peaceful rural surroundings, even though you are barely a 2 minute drive from Cromwell's town centre.

The loft studio is a wonderful retreat upstairs above the 'barn'.  The timber lined walls, luxurious carpet and modern luxury bathroom, complete with underfloor heating, are complemented by a wood burner fire place and fully equipped kitchen.  What could be better than enjoying a glass of Aurum's 2015 Mathilde Organic Pinot Noir as you relax in the Eames style chairs, with a platter of your favourite local produce.

The adjacent Cottage offers guests a slightly larger space to relax. It has a fully equipped kitchen / dining room, separate lounge and master bedroom complete with three walls of glass and the most amazing views.   Shades of blue, grey and off white hint at this being a rural French retreat, as does the heavy wooden door into the walk in pantry space.

Aurum wines is a family run vineyard estate where the two generations working together are committed to producing wines that speak truthfully of their origins. Joan and Tony Lawrence planted their first grapes in 1997. By 2004 their son Brook and daughter in law Lucie had joined them. Lucie is Aurum's principal winemaker while Brook also looks after the viticultural management of the estate. The vineyard philosophy and practices focus on organics and sustainability – confirmed by their Biogro Organic NZ certification. Brook and Lucie's winemaking is traditional with the use of wild yeasts naturally present in the winery and minimal intervention whenever possible.

Lucie met her husband Brook when they were both trainees at Domaine de l'Arlot in Nuit St Georges in Burgundy. Lucie's family have a long association with wine and food in the Burgundy region. Her grandparents owned a vineyard and her mother owned a Michelin Star restaurant. Lucie and Brook have two daughters – Mathilde and Madeleine, and their reserve wines are named after them.  

Aurum in latin means 'gold' which links back to a pivotal growth period in Central Otago's history – the gold rush of the late 1860's. In today's world 'wine' is often talked about as being the new gold in the Central Otago region.

Lucie and Brook produce a range of wines to enjoy – including a 'cheeky bubbles' – Blanc de Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. They also make an Amber Wine, Rose and white port.

From the accommodation you can see Aurum's cellar door across the paddocks and just a 5 minute walk away. Aurum is also one of the four wineries on the Four Barrels walking wine trail, so staying here allows you to easily enjoy this 8km circuit of four local tasting rooms with no need to drive home at the end of the day.  Or for that extra special and immersive wine experience, Lucie offers a private winemaker tour where you not only enjoy a selection of wines including a barrel tasting of older vintages with a delicious cheese platter, you also get to learn about what Aurum do to create such great wines and take a tour of the vineyard and winery.

And if you are talking with Lucie don't forget to ask her if she got feedback from 'Wills and Kate' on the bottle of 2007 Aurum Pinot Noir they were gifted when they visited New Zealand in 2014.   

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For More Information:

Aurum

Lucie Lawrence

P: +64 27 358 3114

E: sales@aurumwines.com

Tourism Central Otago

Alison Mason

Media and Marketing Manager

P” +64 27 432 0689

E: Alison.mason@codc.govt.nz