18-Mar-2011
The Te Mania and Richmond Plains labels of Nelson are well-intertwined. Te Mania was established in 1990 by Jon and Cheryl Harrey, and while the production relies on estate fruit, this is supplemented by contract grapes. Lars and Sam Jensen own Richmond Plains, whose vineyards are fully certified organic and biodynamic. Lars is the sales and marketing director for both wineries and the two wineries share a tasting facility in Richmond. The two wineries also share the same winemaker, Steve Gill, who has had experience throughout the world. The conversion to organic and biodynamic status can be fraught with danger as vineyards and fruit can be vulnerable to disease as they come into balance. Pleasing progress is being made with both labels in growing the quality while becoming ‘greener'. www.temaniawines.co.nz and www.richmondplains.co.nz
