Aurum Wines

About

This beautiful, award-winning and organic vineyard was established in 1997 by Joan and Tony Lawrence. Their winemaker son, Brooke, has now taken over the vineyard with his winemaker wife, Lucie. Brooke trained as a winemaker in South Australia and after also working in France, Brooke decided to make his way back to New Zealand with Lucie in 2004. Brooke met Lucie while they were both trainees at Domaine de l’Arlot in Nuit St Georges in Burgundy. Lucie is a third-generation winemaker and trained as an oenologist at Dijon University, working vintages in Burgundy and Alsace. She is now Aurum’s principal winemaker while Brooke focuses on the organic viticulture management of the estate. Together, with their two daughters, Lucie and Brooke are making exceptional organic wines that reflect the place and vintage.

Lucie tells us about her wine journey… “Wine (and food) has always been an important part of my upbringing, I didn’t think of becoming a winemaker until quite late, probably around 20 years old, but when the thought appeared, it became obvious that it was the right fit for me. I love how it is a mix of practical farming and creativity and how at the end of the day we feel like we have made something with our hands. The main challenges are farming challenges.”

Aurum Wines also have cosy cottage accommodation with stunning gardens and their own olive oil. If you’re looking for a producer that pays exceptional attention to detail, is conscious of the planet, and makes quality wine, then these guys are not to be missed!