It's Just Good Farming
Richmond Plains is an organic winemaking pioneer — the producer of New Zealand's first certified organic Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. [^173^] Established in 1991 by David Holmes, the estate was among the country's first BioGro certified organic vineyards and has been growing and making organic wine since inception. [^179^] Today, it is owned and operated by Lars and Samantha Jensen — a husband-and-wife team with a deep conviction that purity in farming is translated into the final purity of the wine. [^172^] Located near Nelson at the top of the South Island, Richmond Plains is a small family vineyard where all grapes are organically grown using intensive manual techniques. [^185^] The estate is certified organic by both BioGro and Asure Quality, and biodynamic practices are also implemented. [^176^] The Koru — the unfolding fern frond — adorns every label, symbolising new beginnings, unfolding life, and growth. [^173^] The Jensens believe that great wines are made in the vineyard, and that working with nature to nourish biologically active soils and vines produces delicious tasting grapes and wines. [^173^] Their philosophy is simple: "If you can produce delicious tasting wines that are good for you and the environment then why not — it's just good farming." [^173^]
A Pioneer of Organic Winemaking
Richmond Plains was established in 1991 by David Holmes — one of the early visionaries who saw that organic viticulture could produce wines of genuine quality in New Zealand. [^179^] The estate was among the country's first BioGro certified organic vineyards, and from the very first vintage, the commitment to organic farming was absolute. [^179^] There was no conversion from conventional to organic — Richmond Plains was organic from day one.
The estate's early achievement was historic: producing New Zealand's first certified organic Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. [^173^] At a time when organic wine was often dismissed as a niche or inferior category, Richmond Plains proved that organic certification and quality were not mutually exclusive. The wines were vibrant, fruit-driven, and elegant — and they happened to be made without synthetic chemicals.
Today, Richmond Plains is owned and operated by Lars and Samantha Jensen. [^185^] They took over the estate with the same conviction that drove its founding: that purity in farming translates directly into purity in the glass. [^172^] They live and work on the property, tending the vines by hand through every season — from the bloom of spring to the warmth of summer to the bountiful harvests of autumn. [^185^]
The estate has also developed a sister label, Te Mania, which shares the same organic philosophy and is tasted alongside Richmond Plains at the cellar door. [^176^] Visitors can admire the World's Biggest Grapevine Rugby Ball while tasting the full range — including the signature Blanc de Noir, a white wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. [^176^]
"Learning the pleasures of living in harmony with nature and enjoying its bounty is food for the soul."
— Richmond Plains
A Natural Carbon Sink, A Living Ecosystem
The Richmond Plains vineyard is located at 108 McShane Road in Richmond, near Nelson at the top of New Zealand's South Island. [^176^] [^177^] It is a small, intensively managed family vineyard where every vine receives individual attention. All grapes are organically grown using manual techniques — pruning, shoot thinning, and harvesting all done by hand. [^185^]
The Jensens feed the soil and vines with biological brews and compost teas — natural fertilisers that build soil biology rather than depleting it. [^173^] Disease is managed not with synthetic fungicides, but with natural beneficial organisms like Trichoderma and Bacillus Subtilis that outcompete undesirable organisms. [^173^] This is biological pest control — working with nature's own defence systems rather than overriding them.
The vineyard functions as a natural carbon sink. Vine prunings, grasses, herbs, leaves, and grape marc are all mulched back into the soil, increasing soil depth and organic matter. [^173^] This rich, living soil hosts millions of beneficial organisms and insects. The lush green vineyard creates an attractive habitat for native birds, lizards, butterflies (Monarch and Admiral), and beneficial insects like ladybirds. [^173^]
The estate is certified organic by Asure Quality, New Zealand, and has maintained BioGro certification since its earliest days. [^173^] [^176^] Biodynamic practices are also implemented, adding another layer of holistic care to the vineyard ecosystem. [^176^] The result is a vineyard that improves with every season — soil depth increases, biodiversity flourishes, and the wines become more expressive of their place.
Located at 108 McShane Road, Richmond, near Nelson. [^176^] [^177^] One of New Zealand's sunniest regions, with a temperate maritime climate ideal for aromatic whites and elegant reds. The Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains provide diverse terroirs for varietal expression.
Certified organic by Asure Quality, New Zealand. [^173^] BioGro certified since the early 1990s — among the first in the country. [^179^] Biodynamic practices also implemented. [^176^] A triple-layered commitment to natural farming that goes beyond minimum requirements.
Soil and vines fed with biological brews and compost teas — natural fertilisers that build soil biology. [^173^] Disease managed with Trichoderma and Bacillus Subtilis — beneficial organisms that outcompete pathogens. [^173^] No synthetic chemicals, ever.
Vine prunings, grasses, herbs, leaves, and grape marc mulched back into the soil. [^173^] Natural carbon sequestration that increases soil depth and organic matter. Habitat for native birds, lizards, butterflies (Monarch, Admiral), and beneficial insects. [^173^]
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Character
Lars and Samantha's winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention — allowing the wines' unique, individual characters to develop and shine through. [^172^] The goal is not to impose a style, but to reveal what the vineyard has already created. The result is vibrant, fruit-driven white wines and elegant red wines of great character that are well balanced, reflecting the terroir and harmony of the vineyards. [^172^]
The wines are made with the same care that goes into the vineyard. Fermentation is gentle. Oak is used sparingly and thoughtfully. The focus is on preserving the purity of the fruit — the organic grapes have already done the hard work of expressing the site's character. The winemaker's job is to get out of the way.
The range spans seven wines — a comprehensive portfolio for a small estate. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir remain the flagship varieties, the ones that made Richmond Plains famous as New Zealand's first certified organic expressions of these grapes. [^173^] But the Jensens also produce Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Syrah, and their signature Blanc de Noir — Pinot Noir made as a white wine. [^173^] Each wine carries the Koru on its label — the unfolding fern frond that symbolises new beginnings, unfolding life, and growth. [^173^]
The wines have been recognised at the Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. The Pinot Noir 2023 won Gold, while the Chardonnay 2023 and Rosé 2024 both took Silver. [^190^] The Sauvignon Blanc has been a consistent performer, reflecting the variety's natural affinity with the Nelson region. [^174^]
The Blanc de Noir — Pinot Noir as White Wine
Richmond Plains' Blanc de Noir is one of the estate's most distinctive wines — and a highlight of any cellar door visit. [^176^] Made from Pinot Noir grapes in a white wine style, it has a faint pink diamond colour that hints at its origins. [^191^] "A white wine made from Pinot Noir grapes releasing scents of pears and apple, some white peach and button mushroom. Crisp and dry with a light satin-cream texture." [^188^] Master of Wine Cameron Douglas describes it as having "all of the elegance of a fine champagne without the 'fizz'" — a beautiful pink tinge is the clue to the Pinot Noir origin. [^201^] This is not just a curiosity. It is a genuinely delicious wine that showcases the versatility of Pinot Noir and the creativity of the Jensens' winemaking. Served nicely chilled, it is perfect as an aperitif or with light, fresh dishes. [^191^]
A Family, A Koru, A Way of Life
Richmond Plains is more than a winery. It is a way of life — a commitment to living and working in harmony with nature through the seasons. [^185^] Lars and Samantha Jensen don't just farm the vineyard. They inhabit it. They raise their family on it. They welcome visitors into it. The cellar door is open Thursday to Saturday in winter, offering tastings of both Richmond Plains and Te Mania wines. [^176^]
The Koru logo is not just branding. It is a philosophy made visible — the unfolding fern frond that represents new beginnings, growth, and the cyclical nature of life. [^173^] Just as each season brings new life to the vineyard and new wines to make, the flavours of previous wines gently develop and unfold as they mature. [^173^] The Koru is a reminder that wine, like nature, is never static. It is always becoming.
The Jensens' conviction is simple and unshakeable: "Great wines are made in the vineyard. We believe in working with nature to nourish active soils and vines so they produce delicious tasting grapes and wines." [^172^] This is not marketing language. It is the operating principle of every day on the property. And it has proven itself for over three decades — from David Holmes's pioneering vision in 1991 to Lars and Samantha's continued stewardship today.
The future of Richmond Plains is one of continuity and gentle evolution. The organic and biodynamic practices will deepen. The biodiversity will increase. The wines will continue to express the unique character of the Nelson region — vibrant, elegant, and unmistakably alive. As the Jensens say: "If you can produce delicious tasting wines that are good for you and the environment then why not — it's just good farming." [^173^]
"If you can produce delicious tasting wines that are good for you and the environment then why not — it's just good farming."
— Lars & Samantha Jensen
The Richmond Plains Range
Richmond Plains produces a comprehensive portfolio of certified organic wines from its Nelson vineyard. The range includes New Zealand's first certified organic Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, alongside Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Syrah, and the distinctive Blanc de Noir — Pinot Noir made as a white wine. [^173^] All wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through. [^172^] The Cellar Club offers members special offers, news, and a sampler six-pack with a 10% discount — one bottle each of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Blanc de Noir, Pinot Noir, and Rosé. [^173^] Prices are approximate and in NZD.