PMS 8381 metallic spot

Spiral: blind emboss only

The seeds in the head of the Marlborough rock daisy

seem to spiral outward to the left and right. If you looked closely

you’d see how the number of spirals follows the Fibonacci sequence in a pattern

called phyllotaxis. This progression of numbers was published by the Italian Leonardo

da Pisa—or Fibonacci—in the thirteenth century, thus introducing decimal numbers

to the Latin-speaking world. The ratio of the successive numbers tends towards

the golden section (known as Phi by the ancient Greeks, who had already

figured out this number), a measurement found throughout nature,

art and our most beautiful buildings.

FIBONACCI PHYLLOTAXIS ON MARLBOROUGH ROCK DAISY: PHOTO BY SID MOSDELL

story

Tom Hutchison was a Wellington student when he

fell into wine. After a spell working in a wine shop, he

set off to explore the grand domaines of Europe, and,

duly smitten, enrolled at UC Davis to study viticulture.

On his return to New Zealand, Tom learned what

it took to be a winegrower, developing his own

vineyards in Marlborough. After years of growing

grapes for others, Tom created his own label in 2005,

together with his Marlborough-born wife Fiona.

Nature moves at its own pace. So it made sense

to get to know the place and rhythm before building

a winery. After living and working on the land for

several years, Tom and Fiona converted an apple

packing shed into the Rock Ferry winery in 2009.

Tom and Fiona named the label Rock Ferry after their cottage on the

north bank of the Wairau River.

The rock is an important historical site; one where early settlers would

cross the river on horseback to reach the fledgling township (a risky

business!) It seemed a fitting name for their label, characterised by

commitment and can-do.

The cottage at Rock Ferry is now a peaceful homestay and remains in the family.

edge

Trig Hill wines are our premium,

single-vineyard wines made in small

quantities from our Bendigo vineyard.

Only released in exceptional years,

Trig Hill stands for uncompromising

edge-dwelling and stubborn vision.

The way we live.

To grow outstanding grapes in both Marlborough’s

Rapaura district and the tricky slopes of Bendigo, Central

Otago might seem audacious, but challenging is the way

we like it at Rock Ferry. We don’t compromise on quality.

If you were to perch on a boulder 400m up, among the

Pinot Noir vines in our Trig Hill vineyard, you’d find yourself

balancing at the edge of the Earth, so lovely and lonely a

place it is.

At our Corners vineyard in Marlborough, a

more familial air surrounds you. First time visitors

to our vineyard café often describe a feeling they can’t put their finger on.

Like they’re coming home. Something to do with the infectious laughter

bubbling up from the kitchen and the (mostly organic) food cooked

with love and attention.

nurtureLots of locals, of course, do

come back. They’re part of

the family too.

Walking up the path to the cellar door, you notice

the moss in between the red fired bricks. It’s as if it’s

somehow gluing the bricks together. At Rock Ferry, our

exceptional team is the glue.

family

We’re an experienced, committed,

fun bunch. We stick together in

coming all the way down the path

to meet you.

The rational and the romantic

collide in everything we touch and we give

Nature due respect for connecting her dots in the way she does.

We don’t pretend to always get her, but we’re diligent students.

Hands-off and judicious intervention both have their places in our organic wine

cellar; the beauty is in the balance.

We use some biodynamic practices but we’re never dogmatic.

We seek to understand. We make grown-up wines, but never pompous.

We make wines to launch a boat, a granny flat, a new pair of loafers, a career,

but mostly to launch memories.

It’s the way we live.

www.rockferry.co.nz

PMS 8381 metallic spot

Spiral: blind emboss only