Our People

Our ever-growing Rose family continues to drive our focus on quality and craft in the often challenging grape growing and winemaking sector.

We are humbled by the success we've achieved over the past (almost) 50 years and we're thrilled to introduce you to some of team who have helped to achieve these milestones.

FOUNDERS

Phil & Chris Rose

Phil and Chris Rose were originally growing lucerne for export to Japan. Then the 1970’s oil shock hit which made the harvesting and drying of lucerne uneconomic. The Roses looked to find an alternative use for their land.

In 1978 they decided to plant grapes. After contract growing grapes for some years, they decided to produce their own wine in 1991 under the Wairau River label.