Exclusively Gimblett Gravels. Nothing Else.

At Stonecroft, every wine we make is sourced entirely from the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District. It is a singular focus, and one that sets us apart. Our fruit comes from a small collection of sites across Mere Road, Roys Hill and the Cornerstone Vineyard, all rooted in this remarkable stretch of ancient riverbed.

Production is deliberately limited. These are artisan wines, crafted in small batches, shaped by close attention in both vineyard and winery. The aim is always purity, detail and a true sense of place.

The Gimblett Gravels soils are unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. Formed by the shifting Ngaruroro River and dramatically reshaped by a major flood in 1867, this land was once part of the riverbed itself. As the waters receded, they left behind deep layers of free-draining greywacke stones and coarse sands, with finer silts carried further across the Heretaunga Plains. What remains here is a rare, compact pocket of stony, low-fertility soils. The vines are forced to work hard, sending roots deep in search of water and nutrients, while the heat-retaining stones support slow, even ripening. The result is fruit of exceptional concentration, structure and clarity, with a distinctive mineral edge that defines the wines of this place.

Our Mere Road vineyard was originally planted by Dr Alan Limmer, whose pioneering work with Syrah helped define the region. Some of those original vines remain today, alongside carefully considered plantings of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small parcel of Chardonnay.

We farm with intent and restraint. Certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, the vineyards are largely worked by hand, with low yields and a focus on balance and longevity. Every decision is made to respect the land and allow the character of the Gimblett Gravels to speak, clearly and without compromise.