WAIRAU RIVER

Wairau River Wines takes its name from the beautiful braided river on whose banks Phil and Chris Rose planted their first vines in 1978 (Wairau is Maori for 'many waters'). The Rose family were pioneers in the now prestigious Rapaura district, their foresight recognising the potential for the region's free draining stony soil and abundantly pure artesian water. After supplying grapes for other producers for several years, Phil and Chris decided in 1991 to release a wine under their own label and so the Wairau River label was born.

Family owned and run, Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.

Phil Rose

Phil and Chris Rose were pioneers of the wine industry in the now prestigious Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. Their foresight: recognising the potential for the region's free draining stony soil and abundantly pure artesian water in 1978. After supplying grapes for other producers for several years, Phil and Chris decided in 1991 to release a wine under their own label and so the Wairau River label was born.