Ben McNab moves to Dry River Wines
Martinborough vineyard Dry River Wines has appointed Young Winemaker of the Year 2021, Ben McNab, to a winemaker role.
The announcement followed the purchase of Dry River by Wellington businessman Charlie Zheng, who built the Luna Estate brand after buying Blue Rock and Eclipse Vineyards.
Dry River has a 40-year legacy of grape growing and winemaking started in the late 1970s by founder Neil McCullum.
McNab, formerly from Palliser Estate, says it’s an exciting opportunity. “I’m conscious of the responsibility that comes with taking over one of the country’s heritage brands in one of our premier regions. You don’t make these sort of quality wines from behind a desk – it’s a high touch approach based on a very close relationship with the wine.”
Dry River team from left: Ben McNab (Winemaker), Toby Everitt (Vineyard Machinery Operator), Jillian Jesseph (Sales and Marketing Manager), and Joel Watson (Head Winemaker Dry River and Luna wine).
Dry River and Luna Estate head winemaker, Joel Watson, says protecting the iconic Martinborough winery is a driving motivation for the new owner. “Dry River has been returned to New Zealand ownership and Charlie is committed to Martinborough, having spent the previous decade establishing Luna Estate and more recently adding an accommodation option, Parehua Resort. Our aim is to honour the Dry River heritage and its pioneering tradition.”
