With a passion for wine and a professional background in the trade for over 30 years, owners Peter & Felicity Parish launched Dunnolly Estate Wines back in 1995. Peter and his family returned to his childhood home of North Canterbury to establish their first vineyard, named after the family villa, Dunnolly.
Today, their daughter Nicky is the hands-on winemaker at Dunnolly Estate, and son Matt supports as an advisor and consultant. Peter, having spent many years as the viticulturist, has taken a step back from physical vineyard work but is still involved in the family business between his weekly games of golf.
THE PEOPLE
PETER PARISH – Dunnolly Founder, Visionary, All-Round Hard Grafter and Weekly Golfer
Peter was born and raised in Christchurch before moving to Wellington in his early twenties. There, he met Felicity and they were soon married with three children to follow. With most of his professional career in the wine and spirit trade, Peter developed a deep passion for the craft of wine. After thirty years in an urban, North Island environment, he decided it was time to return to his home province of Canterbury to fulfil this long-standing dream of owning a vineyard.
NICKY PARISH – Dunnolly Winemaker, Brand Ambassador, Family Chef and Weekend Artist.
Nicky started her career in the wine industry pruning the vines at Dunnolly Estate during her winter holidays at university. With her father and brother having established careers in wine, Nicky was inspired to redirect her focus to viticulture and oenology. Upon graduating in 2000 Nicky travelled, gaining harvest and winemaking experience in the Hawkes Bay, Oregon, Canada and France before settling in Marlborough in 2006.
In 2016 Nicky set up her own consultancy business which allowed her to continue in the Marlborough wine industry whilst working as Dunnolly Wines’ hands-on winemaker. Nicky still lives in Marlborough with her own family, husband Hayden and their son Will.
MATT PARISH – Dunnolly Adviser, Consultant US Winemaker and Family Man
After finishing his Masters in Applied Science in 1996, Matt spent much of his professional career overseas before settling down in the USA in 2003. After many successful roles including Director of Group Winemaking for Constellation Wines US, Chief Winemaker for Treasury Wine Estates Americas and International Chief Winemaker / Officer for Naked Wines International Matt launched his own wine brand and consulting business in 2016.
Today he makes a range of wines from around the world under his own brand, “Matt Parish” and for a select few clients. Matt brings advanced technical expertise and a broad knowledge of the wine industry. His overseas experience allows Dunnolly Wines to access ideas and developments within the industry from a global perspective.
To read more about the Dunnolly family visit:
https://dunnolly.co.nz/pages/the-people-behind-the-wine
THE PLACE
Dunnolly Estate Wines are from North Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. The region is relatively new on the New Zealand wine trail and renowned for producing concentrated and expressive wines.
Dunnolly is the name of the original homestead and their first family-owned vines in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Today they work with growers from boutique vineyards within the region that share a similar long-term vision for quality and sustainability. They believe the craft of winemaking starts in the vineyard and focus on sites with ideal growing conditions for each varietal. They don’t just buy fruit, they invest in long-term partnerships with their vineyard owners.
The terroir of the region’s limestone clay soils gives the wines texture and depth. The diurnal temperature change in the summer gives the Pinot Noir ripe complexity and intensity on the palate. The vines are well balanced, with low cropping levels giving our wines power and concentration edged with a delicate touch.
THE WINES
Dunnolly Estate produce wines from several varieties, their wines a true expression of North Canterbury. Classic to the region, they focus on the natural characteristics of the fruit, texture and balance to craft wines that are food friendly and enjoyable!
Dunnolly Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and lively, while the Pinot Gris is off-dry and layered. The subtle use of French oak enhances the structure and complexity of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They aim for a seamless integration where the oak complements the wine’s natural characteristics rather than overpowering the fruit.
Current releases available are 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 Pinot Gris and 2023 Pinot Noir. Unfortunately the Chardonnay is sold out at present.
You can purchase Dunnolly Estate wines here:
https://dunnolly.co.nz/collections/current-releases
JB’s Notes.
Dunnolly Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 North Canterbury NZ
Bright pale straw in colour with subtle green hues. In the nose immediate grassy, savoury green-herb aromas, then lemon & lime citrus & sweet tropical fruit notes follow. On the palate, crunchy green apple & juicy tropical fruit flavours, a vibrant lime acidity & grippy stony textures, a little residual sweetness on an intense, long juicy & zesty finish.
Dunnolly Estate Pinot Gris 2024 North Canterbury NZ
Pale straw-gold in colour, clear and bright, medium viscosity. In the nose, aromas of ripe red apples & pears, & sweet nougat / spice notes. On the mid weighted palate, juicy pear & red apple flavours, the lemon/lime acidity, a little minerality & spicy notes are all nicely integrated. Nicely textured with a creamy mouthfeel, the fruit-forward finish is long & off dry.
Dunnolly Estate Pinot Noir 2023 North Canterbury NZ
Clear, translucent medium ruby-red in colour, lighter at the rim. Fragrant & inviting nose has aromas of ripe red berries, cherries & red plums, just a hint of sweet oak spice too. On the palate fine tannins, a gentle acidity & subtle oak textural elements, juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, are all in balance. Dry, lengthy fruity finish & although still quite young, is drinking beautifully right now. Delicious.