Our Story

Ken and his late wife Susan planted the vineyards in 2007 after acquiring the Rotherwood Estate in 2004.  After many decades in the global entertainment industry they decided they wanted another challenge, this time in a very different industry. Pinot Noir had always been a passion for them both. And here was the chance to not just critique but to create.

 

Sadly Susan passed away in 2014 after a long battle with breast cancer. In 2016 Ken asked Swanes Nurseries to create a rose to commemorate her life. The Susan Cooper rose is featured on the Home Page. The Cooper Family donate $10 for every Susan Cooper rose sold to the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Interestingly, roses share a genus relationship with grapes and are equally vulnerable to phylloxera aphids that once decimated vineyards worldwide. However, the discovery of a naturally resilient rootstock, which was later grafted to other vines, allowed vineyards to once more survive and thrive.

The romance of Rotherwood did likewise and once more worked its magic, and in 2019 Ken married Katrina Hill, who had her own vineyard in the Southern Highlands. Katrina brought light and laughter back to Rotherwood. We are fortunate indeed that we can call this wonderful, romantic property Home.

The property gets into full swing when the Cooper children and grandchildren visit regularly. Our newest addition to the Cooper family is our lovely granddaughter, Florence and our 2021 Pinot Gris which is just as lovely was named after her arrival.

 

    

At Rotherwood, we all share a love affair of excellent wine, family, friends and nature. Meet the faces behind the label.

Ken planted the Rotherwood vineyard with one objective in mind—to make a great Pinot Noir—an obsession that has driven every decision about the vineyard. Ken married Katrina Hill in 2019, and Katrina soon sold her own vineyard in the same region, renowned for its Pinot Gris and bio-dynamic practices. Katrina now focuses all her considerable energy and passion on Rotherwood, and together they are excited and determined to continue making superb Pinots.

Nick is a master of wine and one of Australia’s leading wine judges.  He is a respected member of the wine industry elite and his knowledge and opinion is sought by all sections of the wine community.  We are delighted that Nick has been involved with the Rotherwood vineyard since its inception.  His experience, guidance, and wisdom continues to be inspirational.

Michael is an experienced viticulturist who has worked in cool climate grape growing areas and so brings a high level of very relevant experience to Rotherwood.  As well as a formal background in viticulture he has a passion for the industry that is reflected in his day to day management of the Rotherwood vineyards. Michael has a keen interest in organic farming and has been integral through Rotherwood’s transition into embracing organic farming practices.

Winemaker

Jonathon is the chief winemaker at High Range Vintners. He brings highly relevant experience and a dedicated and talented approach to his winemaking. He has accumulated an impressive and growing lists of awards.

At Rotherwood, we always seek the best winemakers for our particular varieties. We believe Jonathan loves the Pinot grapes as much as we do and brings first-rate experience, deep knowledge, real curiosity as well as a keen intellect to his winemaking.