Neudorf
Summary
Founded in 1978 by the Finn family, Neudorf Vineyards is a 30-hectare Nelson estate specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown on well-draining Moutere clay soils in a maritime climate. Their minimal-intervention approach features indigenous yeast fermentation, French oak aging, and sustainable farming practices that have consistently prioritized vineyard expression over winemaker intervention throughout their four-decade history.
Heritage & Leadership
Neudorf Vineyards was established in 1978 by Tim and Judy Finn in the Upper Moutere hills of Nelson, New Zealand. The couple purchased an abandoned property that had previously been a small dairy farm, transforming it into one of New Zealand's pioneering wineries. The Finns planted their first vines in 1978, focusing initially on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling varieties.
In 2012, Todd Stevens joined as winemaker, bringing experience from his work in Oregon and other New Zealand wineries. Following Tim Finn's passing, Judy Finn continued to guide the winery alongside daughter Rosie, who joined the family business after completing her studies. In 2019, the Finn family sold a majority stake to a local business family while maintaining involvement in the winery's operations.
Throughout its history, Neudorf has maintained a focus on quality over quantity, establishing itself as one of Nelson's defining wineries. The winery has been particularly recognized for its Chardonnay, which has helped establish the Nelson region as a quality wine-producing area.
## Vineyards & Wines
Neudorf's vineyards span approximately 30 hectares across two main sites in the Nelson region. The original Home Vineyard in Upper Moutere features the distinctive clay-gravel soils known locally as "Moutere clay" – a gravelly clay loam formed from weathered granite and greywacke. These soils provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for vine health.
The second vineyard site, Rosie's Block, sits on similar soils but with varying aspects and elevations ranging from 70-140 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from Nelson's maritime climate, with cooling afternoon sea breezes moderating the summer heat.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir constitute the majority of plantings, with smaller blocks dedicated to Albariño, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. The oldest vines on the property date back to the original 1978 plantings. Neudorf produces several distinct wine ranges, with their Moutere Chardonnay and Pinot Noir representing their premium offerings, while the Rosie's Block wines offer earlier drinking styles.
## Philosophy & Practice
Neudorf employs a minimal intervention approach in both vineyard and winery. In the vineyard, they practice sustainable viticulture and are certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Crop levels are managed through careful pruning and shoot thinning to ensure optimal ripening and flavor concentration.
For their Chardonnay production, Neudorf utilizes whole-bunch pressing followed by fermentation in French oak barrels (approximately 15-20% new oak for their premium wines). Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and the wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation. The premium Chardonnays typically age for 11-12 months in barrel before bottling.
Pinot Noir production involves hand-harvesting, partial whole-bunch fermentation (varying by vintage conditions), and aging in French oak barrels for 11-12 months. The winery employs gravity flow principles where possible to minimize harsh handling of the fruit and wine.
Neudorf's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing site character rather than winemaker intervention, allowing the distinctive qualities of their Upper Moutere vineyards to define their wines. This approach has remained consistent throughout their four-decade history, resulting in wines that reflect both their Nelson origins and the passing seasons.
Vineyards & Wines
Neudorf's vineyards span approximately 30 hectares across two main sites in the Nelson region. The original Home Vineyard in Upper Moutere features the distinctive clay-gravel soils known locally as "Moutere clay" – a gravelly clay loam formed from weathered granite and greywacke. These soils provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for vine health.
The second vineyard site, Rosie's Block, sits on similar soils but with varying aspects and elevations ranging from 70-140 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from Nelson's maritime climate, with cooling afternoon sea breezes moderating the summer heat.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir constitute the majority of plantings, with smaller blocks dedicated to Albariño, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. The oldest vines on the property date back to the original 1978 plantings. Neudorf produces several distinct wine ranges, with their Moutere Chardonnay and Pinot Noir representing their premium offerings, while the Rosie's Block wines offer earlier drinking styles.
## Philosophy & Practice
Neudorf employs a minimal intervention approach in both vineyard and winery. In the vineyard, they practice sustainable viticulture and are certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Crop levels are managed through careful pruning and shoot thinning to ensure optimal ripening and flavor concentration.
For their Chardonnay production, Neudorf utilizes whole-bunch pressing followed by fermentation in French oak barrels (approximately 15-20% new oak for their premium wines). Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and the wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation. The premium Chardonnays typically age for 11-12 months in barrel before bottling.
Pinot Noir production involves hand-harvesting, partial whole-bunch fermentation (varying by vintage conditions), and aging in French oak barrels for 11-12 months. The winery employs gravity flow principles where possible to minimize harsh handling of the fruit and wine.
Neudorf's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing site character rather than winemaker intervention, allowing the distinctive qualities of their Upper Moutere vineyards to define their wines. This approach has remained consistent throughout their four-decade history, resulting in wines that reflect both their Nelson origins and the passing seasons.
Philosophy & Practice
Neudorf employs a minimal intervention approach in both vineyard and winery. In the vineyard, they practice sustainable viticulture and are certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Crop levels are managed through careful pruning and shoot thinning to ensure optimal ripening and flavor concentration.
For their Chardonnay production, Neudorf utilizes whole-bunch pressing followed by fermentation in French oak barrels (approximately 15-20% new oak for their premium wines). Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and the wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation. The premium Chardonnays typically age for 11-12 months in barrel before bottling.
Pinot Noir production involves hand-harvesting, partial whole-bunch fermentation (varying by vintage conditions), and aging in French oak barrels for 11-12 months. The winery employs gravity flow principles where possible to minimize harsh handling of the fruit and wine.
Neudorf's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing site character rather than winemaker intervention, allowing the distinctive qualities of their Upper Moutere vineyards to define their wines. This approach has remained consistent throughout their four-decade history, resulting in wines that reflect both their Nelson origins and the passing seasons.