Dunnolly Family of Winemakers
With a passion for wine and a professional background in the trade for over 30 years, owners Peter & Felicity Parish launched Dunnolly 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, daughter Nicky is the hands-on winemaker 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.
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.
“The international experience not only enriched my winemaking knowledge but also broadened my perspective on life. The challenges faced abroad gave me the tools to approach winemaking in New Zealand with a more adaptable and open mindset. It’s about learning, growing, and continually evolving — both personally and professionally.” Nicky Parish, Winemaker
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.
“We’ve chosen to live and work in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, but North Canterbury is home, and that’s where my heart lies. The terroir, the community, and the sense of connection to the land makes it special. It’s just ‘down the road’ in South Island terms and we enjoy regular trips to our grower vineyards, often as a family. ” Nicky Parish, Winemaker
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.
Dunnolly Estate started as a bare block of land in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. With hard graft and tireless effort Peter developed the land into a flourishing vineyard. He became a meticulous grower, constantly learning and adapting to the industry’s evolving viticultural practices and industry expectations. Peter’s passion for the vineyard and experience in the trade enabled him to realise his dream and build the family business, Dunnolly Wines.
“Dad wasn’t just a vineyard owner, he was the viticulturalist, tractor driver, sales extraordinaire and accountant all in one! His passionate and thorough approach in the vineyard set the bar for the quality of our fruit, which has always been reflected in the wines we produce. Today, we source fruit from boutique growers that share our long-term vision for quality and sustainability.” Nicky Parish, Winemaker
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.
“Blending with my brother Matt on his trips home to New Zealand is always a pleasure. He has an incredible palate and an innate sense of balance. His commercial experience is invaluable when it comes to crafting a wine that not only tastes great but resonates with our consumers.” Nicky Parish, Winemaker
