Richmond Plains Syrah

“If you can produce delicious tasting wines that are good for you and the environment then why not – it’s just good farming.” (Lars Jensen, Richmond Plains)

Lars and wife Sam started Richmond Plains in Nelson over 30 years ago and can proudly stake their claim as NZ’s first producer of a certified organic Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Rosé. They don’t do organic by halves either – it’s in everything they do in the vineyard.

They feed the soil and vines with biological brews and compost teas. They mulch vine prunnings, grasses, herbs, leaves and grape mark back into the soil, which increases soil depth and organic matter which is rich in natural fertility. This clean, green, eco-friendly vineyard makes an attractive home for native birds, lizards and butterflies.

As well as being a boutique, family owned, organic and vegan friendly producer – the wine is bloody good too! This is their 2020 Syrah that won a Gold medal at the NZ Organic Wine Awards.

It’s all delicious dark berry fruits with a bit of spice and white pepper. They say it’s suitable for a vegan diet, but just quietly we tried it with a cut of lamb and it was divine!