1978

Vineyards were established by Phil and Chris Rose who 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.

Source

MEX

https://www.wairauriverwines.com/about-us/

Photograph credit: Marlborough Archives, Marlborough Museum. Wine photograph collection