This award honours the person selected for his or her outstanding contribution to New Zealand wine and was created and named in honour of a man who unquestionably has made one of the greatest contributions to the New Zealand wine industry, Sir George Fistonich.
“When Sir George was asked to put his name to the award 14 years ago he thought very hard about it, but is proud to have done so,” International Wine Show organiser Kingsley Wood says. “It is a hugely significant award in people’s lives.”
The Finns have created one of New Zealand’s premiere wine brands, Neudorf Vineyards, over the last 30 plus years, while also building a highly successful small business. Their contribution to both the Nelson and New Zealand wine industry over this time has been significant.
Wood says; “When I used to send out newsletters if I left Nelson out I got a phone call from Judy wanting to know why. She and Tim have so much passion for the Nelson region and its place in New Zealand wine, they made sure it didn’t get lost among the hype from much larger wine regions.”
It is that sort of passion and the many boards, councils and committees the couple have contributed to over almost four decades that has helped New Zealand focus on high quality wines and build its international reputation on quality.
Judy Finn said that it was a pleasure to receive this award on behalf of all the volunteers who make the kiwi wine business so successful. “Tim and I are also proud to have been a small part of a sector that has helped lift New Zealand’s international profile for environmental sustainability, quality and most of all for excitement. Our wines are energetic, racy and bring out the best in our terrific food from land and sea.”
