Oraterra represents the new chapter for one of New Zealand's most revered wine production teams. The group of six behind Oraterra began their journey togther at Martinborough's Dry River.​

 

In 2022, following a decade of working together, winemaker Wilco Lam, along with general manager Sarah Bartlett, assistant winemaker Tom de Hamel, and viticulturists James Pittard, Michelle Mills and McKenzie Smith, left their post at Dry River, following a change of ownership.

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Their mission was to continue pursuing their direction of crafting expressive Martinborough pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris. The site they found – the four-hectare McCreanor vineyard on Princess Street – was planted in the 1980s and had supplied incredible fruit to wineries like Escarpment. It was being run by a young local couple who were looking to sell.

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Following the purchase of the vineyard, a new project was born: Oraterra, or golden earth.

SUSTAINABILITY.

 

The Oraterra team utilises organic, biodynamic and regenerative management techniques across their vineyard sites.

 

The winery is considered an extension of the vineyard and their farming practices. All wines are wild yeast fermented and made with minimal intervention.