Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct has welcomed four new businesses recently, adding some fresh faces to the lineup of artisan businesses on display.

The precinct was created when Cromwell’s main street was flooded after the Clyde Dam was built in 1990.

Some of the historic buildings dating back to the 1860s gold rush were saved or rebuilt on higher ground, on the shore of Lake Dunstan.

Kate Barnett, who has 30 years in the wine industry, plans to offer an informal wine tasting experience as the new owner (with husband, Matt) of Pinot Junction, which was previously Armando’s.

Two commercial wine dispensing units will be arriving in the new year, meaning customers will be able to purchase a pre-loaded payment card and choose a 20ml, 40ml or glass pour from the eight red and eight white vintages on offer.

“I like to think of myself as offering a ‘neutral like Switzerland’ wine tasting experience,” Kate said.  

“I love showcasing our wonderful Central Otago wines. I’ll have info on all the vineyards for customers to explore themselves”.

She describes taking over the cafe as a “baptism by fire”, but the venue is now fully functioning, serving coffee, cabinet food, pizza, and shared platters.

Kate Findlay loves her room with a view

The George Stumbles building also has a new tenant, Isobel Home & LIfestyle. 

Owner Kate Findlay has paid homage to the past by naming her classic homewares store after George Stumbles’ wife, Isabella, who was born in Dunstan and was buried in Cromwell.

The historic building and its idyllic setting cemented Kate’s desire to expand her Wānaka-based home styles business into Cromwell.  

She sources linen, homewares, candles, and ceramics from around the world and New Zealand and also stocks locally produced soaps.

“I’ve always loved this part of Cromwell and my view straight out to the lake isn’t a bad way to start the day,” she said.

Opening the business was a sea-change (by the lake), in Martin Ruding’s life 

Martin and Jill Ruding, the owners of the Little Picnic Company, found it an easy decision to change direction and open their new venture.

It’s an idea whose time has come - order a picnic lunch online and pick it up before heading off on a cycle trail or to the lake.

While work on the picnic-order website is being fine-tuned, the provisions store is open for business. 

Martin, who previously worked in the finance world (with stints in New York and Sydney), said Covid focussed the couple’s minds.

“It pushed the idea for a lifestyle change to live in Cromwell”.

Jill enjoys working in the store and at a local winery.

The business is based in Cobb & Co cottage in the Upper Precinct, which was built and operated as a storeroom in the 1860s. It is now stocked with shelves of local produce, and an ice cream machine which churns out freshly blended seasonal berry tastes.

“We don’t have to have masses of stock, the market holders top me up on a Saturday when the market closes,” Martin said.

Penny Black is located in Cromwell’s old post office

And what was once the Cromwell Post & Telegraph office now hosts a cocktail bar.

The name for the venue - Penny Black - is fitting, as Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, issued in 1840.

The venue’s owners Sandra and Wayne Noble said staffing was stressful to start with, with help coming from unexpected places. 

They were “humbled and amazed” when a couple who were in for dinner one night, jumped in to help after their meal – and came back the next day to help again. 

The business is now operating with a full-time chef and bar supervisor, and Sandra said the best part for her is seeing people walk through the door and “loving the space”. 

“I have always loved people and having a space for them…it’s my favourite thing in the world.”