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. They decided to plant grapes. After battling some major objections around land use, Phil and Chris finally gained consent and started establishing their vineyards in 1978. In true pioneering spirit, they began hand planting vines and raising a family. After contract growing grapes for some years, they decided to produce their own wine in 1991 and the Wairau River label was born.
The Wairau River Estate range of wines are sourced from our family vineyards across the Marlborough region. With careful winemaking the Estate range of wines are true expressions to their varieties accompanied by the unique soils and climate found in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough. These wines are distinctive, elegant and a great match to any occasion.
