Domaine Thomson Vineyard

At 45° south, Domaine Thomson's spectacular elevated site above the valley floor has 360 degree views of the Cromwell Basin and Lake Dunstan, framed by the Dunstan and Pisa Mountain ranges and the St Bathans Mountains further beyond.

The 14ha vineyard's gentle slopes overlooking Pisa Moorings lakeside settlement have been planted as four distinct blocks – the North Block, the Terraces, the South Block and the Moon Block - each with its own special characteristics.

They grow only one variety: "single vineyard" pinot noir. The mixture of Davis and Dijon pinot noir clones, first planted in 2000 are on elevated north east facing terraces in deep gravel with some loess and clay. The relatively frost free, warm mesoclimate and free draining soils provide ideal grape growing conditions, producing an excellent concentration and intensity of flavours.

Under the guidance of local viticulturist, Grant Rolston, the vineyard practises biodynamic viticulture and is also certified organic. Much of the vineyard work is carried out by hand, including hand harvesting to preserve the quality of the fruit.