Louisa Rose

When Yalumba’s chief winemaker Louise Rose took the Barons of Barossa reins in 2019 she was the first woman in the wine fraternity’s 48-year-history to do so. Not anyone can don the grand red and gold robes. Membership is by invitation only and reserved for those who make a head-turning contribution to the region. The moment reflected the mark Louisa has made on the community during her long and successful career as an award-winning winemaker and wine judge.

Louisa grew up on her family's vineyard in Victoria's Yarra Valley, where the wonders of viticulture won her over and led her to study at South Australia’s Roseworthy College. When she wasn’t hitting the books during 1992, she earned a crust as a cellar hand at Yalumba and returned again in 1993. It was obviously a great fit, because she’s still here today.

Louisa has been making Pewsey Vale Vineyard wines since 1995. “It’s a really special place,” she says. “And it’s a variety I love. I love to drink it and I love making it. To be honest, it’s not hard to make because it grows so well here.” When she’s not making the good stuff, she can be found on wine industry boards and selflessly bidding on precious drops with which to contribute to The Barossa Cellar’s impressive historical collection.