Little River Estate / Thorvald
David & Sue Barrett founded 2015; David's father was cheese maker in Denmark (name Thorvald honours him); French cheesemaker Francis Bigot has degrees in cheese making, uses traditional French techniques; Thorvald Curado won Best Sheep Milk Cheese NZ 2020; Little River Estate Brie trophy-winning; washed rinds in homemade beer/local chardonnay; also founded Sprig & Fern craft brewing chain
Their Story
Thorvald and Little River Estate were founded in 2015 by the 'irrepressible artisan food and beverage entrepreneurs' David and Sue Barrett. David's Danish father was a cheesemaker, and his middle name, Thorvald, was adopted for the sheep milk cheese venture in his honor. Prior to cheesemaking,…
What They Make
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: Curado (semi-hard, Manchego-style, awarded best sheep milk cheese in NZ 2020)
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: Devotion (semi-soft washed rind, Reblochon-style, distinct nose, smooth creamy texture, slightly funky taste, seasonal item)
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: White Vein (medium to stronger-bodied, semi-firm texture, natural marbled rind, slightly cheddary taste with earthy mushroom and chestnut undertones)
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: Camembert
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: Feta (award-winning)
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheeses: Aged Swiss
- Thorvald Sheep Milk Yoghurt (rich, creamy, 100% natural, made from sheep milk and probiotic cultures)
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Brie de Moutere (trophy-winning white rind cheese)
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Wildfire (astonishing washed rind cheese, Massimo's – Washed Rind Cheese Trophy 2026)
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Tasman Blue (distinctively orange-hued blue cheese with a cheddar-like texture)
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Aged Swiss (sweet, nutty)
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Halloumi
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Cow's Milk Yoghurt
- Little River Estate A2 Cow's Milk Cheeses & Dairy: Sour Cream
- Seasonal/Limited Offerings: Chardonnay-lees infused Bliss
- Seasonal/Limited Offerings: fluffy light Cumulus
- Seasonal/Limited Offerings: Full Monty (medium-soft cheese aged in Montepulciano grape skins)
Awards & Recognition
- NZ Champions of Cheese Awards — Best Sheep Milk Cheese (Curado)(2020)
- NZ Champions of Cheese Awards — Trophy Winner (Brie de Moutere)
- NZ Champions of Cheese Awards — NZ Champion Sheep Cheese (Feta)(2019)
- NZ Champions of Cheese Awards — Silver (Devotion)(2022)
- NZ Champions of Cheese Awards — Massimo's – Washed Rind Cheese Trophy (Wildfire)(2026)
More from Little River Estate / Thorvald
How to Get Their Products
Online shipping/delivery, subscription (Monthly Cheese Box), physical store (The Junction Urban Grocer), farmers markets (Nelson Farmers Market)