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Hallgarten Wines Expands in New Zealand with Three New Suppliers

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Hallgarten Wines Expands in New Zealand with Three New Suppliers

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has continued its portfolio expansion with three new additions to its New Zealand range: North Canterbury’s Pyramid Valley, SPOKE Winery from Marlborough, and Neudorf hailing from Nelson. 

 

Jim Wilson, Portfolio Director at Hallgarten & Novum Wines, commented: “I am delighted to strengthen this area of our portfolio. The wines of Pyramid Valley, SPOKE Winery and Neudorf join those of our long-standing and award-winning partners Saint Clair, Lake Chalice and Rockburn, to form what we believe to be a compelling proposition for our customers.

 

“With Pyramid Valley’s outstanding biodynamic operation in North Canterbury and Central Otago under the guidance of Steve Smith MW; SPOKE Winery’s fresh approach to Sauvignon Blanc, with Liam Steevenson MW and winemaker Ben Glover at the helm; and Neudorf, an intimate family operation focusing on organic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production.

 

“The common threads that tie each of these wineries together is a shared vision for producing excellent wines and their commitment to the environment and sustainability, which goes hand in hand with Hallgarten’s ethos and Eco Standard. We are confident that these wineries will all offer something different for consumers and the trade and could not be more excited to work with them.

 

Pyramid Valley, North Canterbury

Pyramid Valley is a leading New Zealand wine producer founded in 2000 by Mike and Claudia Weersing, who began the story after purchasing an initial plot of land near Waikari in North Canterbury. Mike’s history as a viticulturalist in Burgundy, together with Claudia’s experience as a biodynamicist, helped hone their vision for spectacular winemaking. In 2017, the estate was later bought by Steve Smith MW, and his business partner, conservationist Brian Sheth, after realising their joint ambition of creating a ‘wine dream’ together. The duo has built upon the Weersing’s legacy to fulfil the potential of the vineyards and produce world-class wines, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are recognised around the world.

 

Winemaking at Pyramid Valley follows low intervention with the use of indigenous yeasts, natural fining, and minimal filtration. They follow biodynamic principles with great attention to detail in the vineyard based on the individual needs of different soil types, aspects, ecosystems, and climates. They have sites in their Waikari Estate, North Canterbury with rich rocky, limestone and clay soils comprising 80 hectares of small vineyard plots, and the Manatu Estate in Lowburn, Central Otago that has some of the oldest vines in Central Otago which were revived in 2018.

 

Steve Smith MW, Owner and Winemaker commented: “We are delighted to be part of the Hallgarten Wines portfolio alongside a collection of other fine New Zealand producers, and an exceptional portfolio that represents the world of fine wine. For us the UK is still the heart of the fine wine world, and having a strong presence for Pyramid Valley and Smith & Sheth in the market is key our long-term success. We see a great future ahead and we are going to enjoy the relationship immensely!”

 

SPOKE Winery, Marlborough

Launched in 2022, SPOKE Winery is a collaborative project between Liam Steevenson MW, and winemaker, Ben Glover. SPOKE is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand: the focus is on minimal intervention and sustainable winemaking to deliver premium wines that reflect different vineyard sites and terroirs of New Zealand. Their shared vision emphasises protecting the land and minimising the impact of winemaking, stating that ‘we are the “Kaitiaki” (guardians) of this land for our future generations’.

 

Liam Steevenson MW, Co-Founder and Owner at SPOKE Winery commented: “I’m thrilled to see SPOKE launch this week with Hallgarten & Novum Wines and their exceptional distribution network. SPOKE began as a collaboration between myself and Ben Glover, one of the region’s most renowned winemakers and a close friend. From the very beginning, our goal was to stand out—creating wines designed for the independent-minded consumer and the discerning sommelier. Our wines not only showcase the character of the vineyard sites but also embrace innovative and challenging winemaking techniques to deliver texturally exciting experiences.

 

“SPOKE is more than just a wine brand; it’s committed to making the right choices from both social and environmental perspectives. It embodies the voice of the land, reflecting a sense of place. Our responsibility is to share its story, safeguard its essence, and take care of the people who call it home.”

 

Neudorf, Nelson

Neudorf is a small yet might operation in the heart of New Zealand’s Nelson region. Founded by Tim and Judy Finn who first planted vines in 1978, they aim to make wines with integrity and excellence and focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production. Their daughter Rosie joined the Neudorf team in January 2025 as Marketing & Sales Director as Tim and Judy have stepped back. Winemaking is overseen by Todd Stevens, alongside viticulturalist Stef Brockley and a small winery team. Nelson’s Moutere Hills are sited in the centre of the northern tip of the South Island. Mountain ranges to the east, south and west provide a rain shadow effect, while the Tasman Bay to the north ensures a maritime climate. Their vineyards tumble down a gentle north-facing slope overlooking the Moutere Valley.

 

Sustainability and organics are a focus at Neudorf, reflected in each decision they make at the winery. Their Neudorf Moutere blocks are now certified organic, and the vineyards have rich biodiversity interspersed with hop gardens, orchards, and berry farms. They have implemented a number of green initiatives including solar panels to the North facing roofs of their buildings, and in the cellar, they have switched to lightweight bottles and compost all winery and food waste.

 

Rosie Finn, Marketing & Sales Director at Neudorf, commented: Neudorf is thrilled to be moving forward with Hallgarten and Novum Wines. The UK is a market very close to our hearts and one we have been in for over 30 years. For a small, family run, organic winery like ourselves - working with the Hallgarten team who share the same values and attention to detail, as well as a constant strive for excellence, is so important. Also wonderful to be a part of a great New Zealand portfolio with Craggy Range and Pyramid Valley joining at the same time. Jim and Andrew have both been to Neudorf and understand us and the wines and I look forward to being in market to share Neudorf with the H&N team as well as their customers.”