Rose Hill Estate Wines is located on the Oxley Flats Road in Milawa. It is only 14km out of Wangaratta, and 2 km from the Milawa township. The winery is a member of the Milawa Gourmet Region, which encompasses many wineries, B&B’s, and gourmet food outlets and producers. The Rose Hill Estate Wines site includes 2 acres of vines (Merlot and Durif), a fully equipped winery, barrel room and a cellar door.

Background

The vineyard and winery were set up by Mr Stanley Stafford. Stan is a well known and respected cabinet maker now residing closer to the Milawa township. On visiting cellar door, visitors will be able to appreciate some of Stan’s cabinet making first hand.

The residential house was made using 150 year old bricks from a chapel originally located in Everton. Stan and friends built the house about 27 years ago.

The winery with cellar door opened 11 years ago.

The vineyard was sited on red clay loam in 2 separate blocks: 1 lying east/west, and the 2nd north/east to south/west.  All vines are trained to VSP.  The main practices in the vineyard are carried out to ensure small intensely flavoured and coloured berries, with as much fruit exposure without the berries suffering sunburn.

First merlot planted 1987 on Schwarzmann rootstock.

Durif planted in 2002 to fill some gaps where vines had died. There is a plan to make a straight Durif in the near future, so stay tuned for the exciting release.

The table merlot and the sparkling merlot are produced from grapes grown on site. The cellar door also has other wines for sale, which have been purchased pre-made, and then offered under the Rose Hill Estate label.

The Winery Today

In October 2004, Jo Hale and Kevin de Henin purchased Rose Hill Estate from Stan after many sleepless nights of deciding whether it was the right step to take. The key factor in the purchase was that the winery and vineyard were all very well set up and there was very little work required to get going. (A great piece of dirt as well).

Jo was familiar with the quality of the wine and the vineyard, having been on hand to assist Stan in the last few years with his winemaking. Jo studied Wine Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, and has worked at Brown Brothers, Gapsted Wines and Sam Miranda Wines.

Kevin has worked in many vineyards and winerys, including Brown Brothers, Gapsted Wines, and Baileys Alpine Valley vineyards.

The combination and experience of Jo and Kevin makes for a great working team, and the promise of many great vintages to come.

Opening Hours

Friday to Monday, 10am to 6pm.

Other times by appointment. EFTPOS AVAILABLE.

Find us just 200m from the Milawa Cheese Factory, on Oxley Flats Road