Dry River

Time to talk about a classic. Dry River is one of the most sought-after producers in New Zealand, let alone in Martinborough and greater Wairarapa. Founded in 1979 by Dr. Neil and Dawn McCallum with the sole aim of producing high quality wines that age beautifully. This remains true today; even on their boxes it says “wines made for cellaring.” Dry River grows their grapes on three blocks that were first planted in: 1979 Dry River Estate, 1983 Craighall, and 1992 Lovat.

Even Dry River’s name is legendary. Dry River is named after one of south Wairarapa’s first sheep stations (farms) on the Martinborough Terrace and was one of the first five wineries to establish themselves in Martinborough. Dry River is now a loyal team of six that tend to their own small vineyards and produce very limited wines each year. Since Dry River’s inception, they have been strict followers of no irrigation, canopy management, and crop thinning.

Having such a passionate following, Dry River offers their wines to their wine club first but here at wineNZ.com we receive a small allocation of their entire portfolio, subject to availability. Solely aiming to make high quality wines year after year means some wines are not made annually. The complete Dry River portfolio consists of: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, up to two Rieslings and Gewürztraminers (a drier style and late harvest), and even a red blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo and sometimes Viognier called Twelve Spies.

Not only can Dry River wines be cellared for many years, their wines also drink well young. However, the age-old saying that “things get better with age” can certainly be true for Dry River Wines!

At winenz.com you can buy the wines from Dry River winery for delivery around the world to Australia, USA, UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and China.

If you are looking to buy Dry River wines for delivery in New Zealand, we encourage you to shop at www.thewineryonline.co.nz