Aotearoa to España, and back again.
Martinborough, Aotearoa, New Zealand is home—but we’ve always had a bit of a wandering spirit. Over the years, we’ve spent so much time on the other side of the world that one place, a country literally on the opposite side of the globe, has started to feel like a second home.
During the off-season, we head to Spain, where Al has been making wine for nearly 20 years. Lately, he’s been having a great time collaborating with his good mate and fellow winemaker, Nacho Alvarez. Until now, we’d never really thought about bringing those wines back to New Zealand—but this year, we finally have. We’re beyond excited to share our first imported Grava España with you.
Getting to this point has been quite the adventure.
A key contribution to our business comes through Grava Wine Services. It’s this additional element to our business that allows all that travel. We couldn’t head to Spain or dream of bringing our own Spanish wines home to New Zealand without diversifying the business.
Our vineyard on the Dry River Flats, Martinborough was planted in 2004, and Grava was officially born in 2014. As both a viticulturist and winemaker, Al has a deep connection with the land—he personally tends to the vines, so he understands exactly how they shape the wines we make. Over the years, Al has made wine for several fantastic local wineries, all the while crafting Grava.
This work, alongside other local producers, provides a sense of contribution. We share our facilities and barrel hall, offering space to Wairarapa-based winemakers like Huntress and Halite, who sometimes source fruit from our vineyard and need a place to make their wines. This kind of collaboration has always been a huge part of what we do. It makes the work more enjoyable, strengthens our community, and helps keep Grava sustainable.
Our own Grava wine is the icing on the cake really. With all that in mind, we figured it was about time we invited our community here (and there) to share our love of a good glass of something tasty, simple but delicious food and how, by adding a little time to both, you can bring people together. It is in this spirit that we’ve brought a little taste of Spain back to Aotearoa and we can’t wait for you to try it.
Grava España is available now.