30 Years in the making........
Every great vineyard has a story, and ours begins long before the first vines were planted.
The land that is now Mt Rosa was once part of a traditional high-country sheep station in the heart of Gibbston. While the rugged terrain made farming a challenge, the rocky schist soils, warm summer days and cool alpine nights would later prove to be ideal for producing exceptional cool-climate wines.
Around 30 years ago, a new chapter began as part of the station was transformed into vineyard. The first Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted, followed by Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gamay. Over the years, the vineyard established a reputation for producing elegant, single-estate wines that truly reflect the character of Gibbston.
In 2007, the original cellar door opened in the station's old woolshed, welcoming visitors from around the world. As the winery continued to grow, a purpose-built cellar door was opened among the vines in 2021. Designed to reflect the property's farming heritage, it remains a place where visitors can relax, enjoy great wine and experience genuine Central Otago hospitality.
Our own journey to Mt Rosa began many years earlier. Sophie's family has worked in horticulture since 1880, growing roses in the Netherlands before moving to the UK in the 1950s. That passion for growing and caring for the land continued through an award-winning family garden centre, where hospitality and welcoming people became second nature.
After building our lives in the UK, we made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand with our two children to follow a long-held dream of living in this remarkable country. We quickly fell in love with Gibbston, its spectacular scenery, its close-knit community and its world-class wines.
In 2026, we were honoured to become the custodians of Mt Rosa. For us, this is far more than owning a winery—it's about continuing the story of a special place while creating a legacy for our own family. We're committed to respecting everything that has made Mt Rosa what it is today while adding our own chapter through warm hospitality, memorable experiences and a genuine passion for sharing great wine.
As we look to the future, our promise is simple: to care for this beautiful vineyard, welcome every guest like an old friend, and ensure that Mt Rosa continues to be a place where great wine, family and lasting memories come together.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the next chapter of Mt Rosa's story.
