Neudorf

Nelson

Neudorf Vineyards, established in 1978 by Tim and Judy Finn in Nelson, has become one of the country's most celebrated boutique wineries. Bob Campbell, esteemed MW, says of Neudorf, ""I cannot think of another New Zealand wine producer that has been making top wines across their entire range as consistently as Neudorf over three decades.""

Part of the secret is the place – the ancient gravelly soils and gentle climate of the Upper Moutere region – which helps produce concentrated, expressive fruit. Part of it is the organic regime in the vineyard, as well as Todd Steven’s minimal intervention in the winery. But much of it is down to the people who combine hard work with winemaking which comes from the heart as well as the head.

Winemaker and General Manager

Winemaker and General Manager

Todd Stevens

The winemaking team at Neudorf is led by Todd Stevens, who serves as both General Manager and Winemaker. He heads the overall production effort from vine to bottle and his role is to draw the various strands together to craft wines of distinction and place. Stef Brockley is the viticulturalist, and he’s all about organics, and longevity in the vineyard.

Todd focuses on crafting wines with textural interest and finesse, adhering to a philosophy of minimal intervention to allow the unique characteristics of the vineyard to shine through. He believes great wines are all about place, and he believes Neudorf is special, and so he celebrates the “moutereness” in his wines.

Soil, Sustainability and Success

Soil, Sustainability and Success

Nelson’s Moutere Hills are sited in the centre of the northern tip of the South Island. Mountain ranges to the east, south and west provide a rain shadow effect, while Tasman Bay to the north ensures a maritime climate.

Neudorf’s vines are planted in deep clay gravel soils, laid down by ancient, long melted glaciers. They have a naturally low fertility, which helps flavour development in the fruit, and they have a great water holding capacity which removes the need for irrigation, despite the sunny Nelson summers.

The regime is all about sustainability. They compost our grape skins and seeds and return them back to the vineyard floor to boost soil biodiversity and complete the nutrient cycle.
This distinctive terroir contributes to the clarity and distinction of Neudorf's wines, particularly their renowned Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

"We have an exceptional site here at Neudorf and it demands little from us in the winery. If we can guide grapes into wine of integrity, without buggering it up, we are content." Todd Stevens

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