Confidence in Lawson’s Dry Hills Prompts Long Term Investors to Purchase Majority Shareholding
The future of one of Marlborough’s leading wine producers is looking particularly rosy. Strong confidence in the quality
and potential of Lawson’s Dry Hills, a pioneer of the Marlborough wine industry, has enticed two of the company’s
long-term partners to invest further in the company.
After a 15 year involvement, investors Tim and Pauline Evill have purchased additional shares previously owned by the
Lawson family, so as to take a majority interest. Key members of the management team have also shown their backing for
the company: Sion Barnsley, General Manager for five years and Business Manager prior to that has increased his
shareholding, while Chief Winemaker of eleven years, Marcus Wright and newly appointed Sales and Marketing Manager,
Derek Lilley have also invested to become new shareholders.
As silent partners working overseas for the past few years Tim and Pauline Evill have watched Ross and Barbara Lawson
work hard to turn Lawson’s Dry Hills into the world-renowned wine producer it is today. Says Tim Evill, “Now we are back
in NZ we wish to be much more involved so the opportunity to take over and build on Ross and Barbara’s great work,
alongside Sion and the excellent team we have in place, was too good to pass up.”
General Manager Sion Barnsley added, “This is a significant and exciting undertaking by the small team at Lawson’s Dry
Hills and it clearly demonstrates our belief in the brand.”
Founder and Brand Ambassador, Barbara Lawson is pleased at the recent developments, saying, “I’m delighted that the
company is in the good hands of those who have a great deal of personal as well as professional involvement.” She
continues, “They have the ability and passion to carry forward the dream that Ross and I initiated 24 years ago.”
Lawson’s Dry Hills has been part of a number of initiatives, most notably leading the change to screw cap seals. Today
the company is recognised as one of the most respected and awarded wineries in New Zealand with a world-wide reputation
for top quality wines.
Chief Winemaker, Marcus Wright confidently states, “We take a hands on approach to creating wines of the highest
quality. From the vineyard to the glass, our goal is to deliver wines for the ultimate enjoyment of wine lovers around
the world.”
From highly acclaimed aromatic varietals to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Lawson’s Dry Hills wines are sold in 21
countries.
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