Donna Martin
Speaker
Owner
Donna established Mill River Winery in a bold step in 2008 after significant research on the feasibility of the concept since the North Shore of Boston is not an area where wineries are commonplace. The study led to a successful business plan and Donna was able to secure commercial funding to purchase an old cider mill property in Rowley, Mass. Mill River Winery produces wines using Massachusetts grapes as well as vinifera grapes sourced from global regions.
Mill River Winery has been successful with a “local wines - global vines” concept and produces wines using Massachusetts grapes as well as vinifera grapes sourced from global regions.
Prior to joining the wine world, Donna obtained a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at the University of New Hampshire and has been employed in the chemical industry and as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Rhode Island College.
Donna has extensive experience in product development, management, marketing and operations. She is passionate about local viticulture and making each wine with an emphasis on preserving the signature flavor of each varietal. She strives to support local agriculture and tourism and celebrates everything the North Shore has to offer. Mill River Winery’s wine labels exemplify New England, its rich history, beautiful coastlines and cultural activities.
Mill River Wines have been recognized nationally and worldwide with double gold, gold and silver medals and ratings in the American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competitions and the Beverage Tasting Institute World Wine Championships.
Mill River Winery is the recipient of the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Best of North Shore (BONS) Award for Best Winery. Recent articles about us include: “Who needs Napa? The North Shore’s got a Winery Worth the Trip” in WGBH Craving Boston; “Wine Time – Celebrate Summer with Recipes Inspired by Local Bottles” in The Daily News of Newburyport; “Take these Home for the Holidays” and “Business Plan – Mill River Winery” both in The Boston Globe; and “North Shore Nectar” in The Northshore Magazine.