History of Neudorf Vineyards
Neudorf Vineyards was founded by Tim and Judy Finn in the late 1970s, during a time when the New Zealand wine industry was still in its infancy. The couple, driven by a passion for wine and a pioneering spirit, planted their first vines in Moutere Hills, Nelson, a region they believed had the potential to produce world-class wines. Over the years, Neudorf has grown from a small, family-run operation into a globally respected winery, with a focus on sustainable, organic viticulture and a commitment to low-intervention winemaking.
Judy Finn has been a key force in building the winery's reputation, particularly with her strong stance on sustainability and organic practices. The estate is now a beacon for environmentally conscious winegrowing, aiming to produce wines that are true expressions of the land. Neudorf’s philosophy revolves around minimal manipulation in the vineyard and winery, allowing the unique characteristics of the Moutere soils to shine through.
Region and Vineyards
Neudorf Vineyards is situated in the Moutere Hills within the Nelson region, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Nelson enjoys a maritime climate, characterized by long sunshine hours, warm days, and cool nights, ideal for slow-ripening grapes. This ensures the wines retain vibrant acidity and a fresh fruit character, essential for producing elegant and balanced wines.
The Moutere clay-gravel soils are a key feature of Neudorf’s vineyards. These well-draining soils, rich in minerals, provide excellent conditions for the vines, encouraging deep root growth and producing grapes with intense concentration and complexity. The region’s unique terroir, combined with low-yielding vines, results in wines with a distinct sense of place.
Wine Range
Neudorf Vineyards is internationally celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which consistently receive high acclaim.
-
Moutere Pinot Noir is the flagship red, known for its silky texture, complex layers of red fruit, and hints of earth and spice. This wine is crafted with minimal intervention and has excellent aging potential.
-
Tom’s Block Pinot Noir offers a more approachable, fruit-forward style while still retaining the elegance and structure of Neudorf’s signature Pinot Noir.
-
Moutere Chardonnay is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, showcasing a rich yet precise minerality, with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and well-integrated French oak. It has a long aging potential.
-
Rosie’s Block Chardonnay presents a more fruit-driven style, with vibrant, fresh characteristics, perfect for earlier drinking.
Neudorf also excels with aromatic whites:
-
Moutere Riesling is celebrated for its crystalline purity and zesty citrus flavors, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and a mineral core that reflects the terroir.
-
Albariño is a recent addition, delivering tropical fruit flavors with a saline minerality, making it perfect for seafood pairings.
-
Pinot Gris offers rich notes of pear and apple, balanced by a clean acidity, creating a full-bodied yet refreshing wine.
This diverse range reflects the unique Moutere Hills terroir and Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.
Did You Know?
The name "Neudorf" is a nod to the early German settlers in the region, whose heritage is still reflected in the names and culture of the area. Neudorf Vineyards is also committed to biodiversity, with large portions of their estate dedicated to native bush regeneration, reflecting their deep commitment to both the environment and their community.
