A Conversation with CEO Lindsay Parkinson

CEO Lindsay ‘Parky’ Parkinson on Family, the Future, and the Spirit of RFE

At Rose Family Estate, the word "family" means more than just a surname or lineage. It's a spirit. A way of being. A legacy built not just on bloodlines, but on trust, loyalty, and a deep respect for the past—with eyes firmly set on the future.

That’s exactly how CEO Lindsay Parkinson—known as "Parky"—sees it. And if you've ever shaken his father-in-law Phil’s hand, you’ll know there’s no soft grip in this family. “No one warned me,” Parky laughs, recalling his first encounter with Phil Rose. “I was more worried about my lack of wine knowledge, having only ever drunk cask wine and Speights. But that handshake left an impression—literally.”

Growing up in inner-city Auckland in the 70s, Parky’s early years were spent on the water, sailing dinghies and navigating urban life before heading south to Otago University. There, he studied commerce and finance, and more importantly, met Pip—his future wife and fellow adventurer in all things life and wine.

When you step into Parky’s world at Rose Family Estate today, you quickly realise this isn’t just a job. It’s a passion project rooted in generational pride. “The Rose family has been here in Marlborough for 167 years. That legacy matters. It’s not just about honouring those who came before us—it’s about making sure we evolve and stay relevant for those who come next.”

That future-forward mindset drives Parky’s leadership style. “Phil always said: don’t stop too often to smell the roses,” he grins.  "Well, those might not have been his exact words, but what he meant was—don’t get complacent. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward.”

And forward they’ve moved. Under Parky’s watch, Rose Family Estate has embraced significant technological innovation, investing in smart systems that now allow real-time reporting and mobile access to data across operations. What once took hours now takes seconds. But it’s not just about speed—it’s about smart growth.

Parky’s vision is clear: A reputation for excellence, in every corner of the business. “I want Rose Family Estate to be a name mentioned among the best wine companies in Marlborough. I’m competitive. I hate losing,  so I will continue to drive our ambitious plans for growth in the coming years.”

But don’t mistake that drive for individual ego. Parky is quick to highlight the family—not just by name, but the greater Rose family that includes loyal staff and multi-generational teams. “We’ve all grown up together, in one way or another. The respect is mutual, and no one tries to dominate someone else’s expertise. That’s what makes us strong.”

That definition of "family" extends to the next generation too. While there’s no pressure on his own kids, nieces or nephews to join the business, there’s definitely curiosity. His eldest son, Oscar, recently started a summer internship at the winery to get hands-on experience—a great way of bridging his Food Tech science studies with the real-world workings of winemaking and the laboratory.

With four children and two decades of parenting behind him, Parky is now reclaiming a bit of time for golf and travel— all whilst pulling off an unusual Kiwi claim to fame: “I entered the World Manu Championships in 2024,” he reveals proudly. (For the uninitiated, that’s competitive bombing into the water. Yes, really.)

Of course, no interview would be complete without the most important question: what’s his favourite drop?

“Wairau River, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Hands down.”

Parky is guiding Rose Family Estate into the future, with a rare blend of humour, heart, and a relentless dedication to the people who make it all possible.

Because at RFE, family isn’t just who you’re born with. It’s who you build with.

Want to learn more about the people behind our wines? Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the Rose Family Estate.