OUR STORY

Oraterra was founded by the team behind Dry River wines: winemakers Wilco Lam and Sam Rouse, vineyard crew James Pittard, Michelle Mills and McKenzie Smith, and general manager Sarah Bartlett. When that brand changed ownership in 2022, we chose to move as one and create something new. 

Winemakers Wilco and Sam worked closely together for the first two vintages. Sam's contribution helped shape not just those formative vintages but Oraterra wines as a whole. He has since moved on, with Tom de Hamel joining the winemaking team for the 2025 harvest.

OUR TEAM TODAY

Our team remains largely unchanged. Chief winemaker Wilco is joined by assistant winemaker Tom in the winery; James, Michelle and McKenzie take care of the vineyard s; and Sarah is Oraterra’s general manager.

Oraterra is the work of our shared history, bond and vision.