| Region of production: | Martinborough GI |
| Winery Location: | Martinborough, Wellington |
| Year Established: | 1979 |
Vineyard Holdings
34 ha
11.75 hectares
- Dry River Estate: Martinborough GI. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Pinot Noir. Planted in 1979.
- Lovat Vineyard: Martinborough GI. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Tempranillo. Planted in 1983.
- Craighall Vineyard: Martinborough GI. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Planted in 1992.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Craighall Riesling (Martinborough GI): Inaugural vintage 1989.
- Lovat Gewurztraminer (Martinborough GI): Inaugural vintage 1997.
- Chardonnay (Martinborough GI): Inaugural vintage 1986.
- Pinot Noir (Martinborough GI): Inaugural vintage 1986.
- Lovat Syrah (Martinborough GI): Inaugural vintage 1996.
Average Total Production
- 30,000 bottles
Summary
In 1979, Dr. Neil and Dawn McCallum established Dry River. Their vineyards were the first in Martinborough. They took inspiration from a report by friend and scientist Derek Milne (who soon after helped to start Martinborough Vineyard), citing the potential for viticulture in the area. The estate was an early member of the Martinborough Winemakers Association, which provided a seal for local wines before the establishment of a GI. Later, in 1991, Dry River helped pioneer the Martinborough Terrace Appellation, a self-administered demarcated region with set viticultural guidelines. The winery was sold to Julian Robertson and Reg Oliver in 2003, though Neil MacCallum continued with the project until retiring in 2011. Dry River is currently seeking organic certification.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Dry River farms without irrigation and focuses on low crop levels. The winery favors minimal influence from barrels and bottles wines with aging in mind. All wines are closed under natural cork.
Producer Website: Dry River Wines