Neudorf’s belief is that great wines come from the heart, as well as the head. Founders Tim and Judy Finn were self-admittedly fresh from the ‘back to the land’ movement of the late sixties when they set up Neudorf Vineyards, with the aim of making wines with integrity. In the years that followed, they experimented with different varieties to see which would work best in their soils around New Zealand’s Nelson region, eventually rejecting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and Muller Thurgau in favour of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that have propelled them to renown.

Organics are ‘the very heart of Neudorf’, and the winemaking team’s desire to tread gently is reflected in every decision they make. All Moutere blocks are either certified or in conversion. But Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there: there are a number of green initiatives in place, from switching to lightweight bottles, to composting all winery and food waste, to using a flock of sheep to compost, mow and fertilise their vineyards. The winery is also part of the ‘Family of Twelve’, a group of New Zealand winemakers who are determined to maintain individuality and character in their wines.