The Rochford Story

How a Vision Became a Yarra Valley Icon

Rochford Wines originated with owner and CEO Helmut Konecsny in the Macedon Ranges in the late 90’s before moving to the Yarra Valley in 2002 when the opportunity to purchase a well-established 13 hectare Yarra Valley vineyard on Hill Road, Coldstream caught his attention. With its old vine plantings (established in 1992), the potential to develop the 13 hectare property into something truly special was immediately apparent and so, Rochford Wines of the Yarra Valley was born.

A family business at heart, Helmut’s passion for Yarra Valley wine, great food, service, and entertainment has seen Rochford expand exponentially over the years.

Rochford Wines Building

In 2010 Helmut decided to focus on his passion for the Yarra Valley and after selling his Macedon Ranges vineyard, he purchased another well-established 13 hectares of vineyard on Briarty Road, Gruyere and renamed the property Isabella’s Vineyard. Then in 2016 Helmut took on No.9 Vineyard which is across the road from Isabella’s Vineyard in Gruyere. Rochford Wines produces premium cool climate wines focusing predominantly for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet from these three unique vineyard sites – each one offering diversity of Yarra soil and microclimates with our vineyard management being centred around balance and sustainability.

 

Along with producing highly rated and awarded wines from three vineyard sites, Rochford encompasses two restaurants, a weddings and functions venue and a huge 12,000 capacity outdoor concert amphitheatre. The dream Helmut had for Rochford is being realised; a place that captivates the senses and provide memorable experiences for all who visit.

The Fruit

At Rochford we believe winemaking is driven by intuition, guided by the fruit itself. Every season gives us something new, a blank canvas with vivid possibilities. It’s actually quite a creative task, to shape the winemaking processes in an ever-balanced interaction with the demands of the season.
 
It all comes down to fruit in the end. The fruit is the meeting point of vineyard and winery; Where one ends, the next begins.
 
Australians love wine. In fact, Australians love Australian wine especially. Wine has become a symbol of lifestyle in our society, often associated with a gathering of loved ones, a celebration or the marking of an achievement. Each wine in the different Rochford ranges is designed to speak to the many different reasons we all have for enjoying a glass of wine.
Chardonnay Grapes

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