Gibson Wines
Barossa , South Australia
Brands
Gibson, Discovery Road by Gibson
Winery Overview
Gibson Wines was established in 1996 and draws on over 45 years of experience of its founder; viticulturist, geologist and winemaker, Rob Gibson.
Rob - with wife Anne and son Adam - uphold a ‘wine growing’ philosophy. A belief deeply rooted in an understanding of the relationship between vineyards, their cycle of growth and maximising flavour intensity in resultant wines.
During his years studying at Roseworthy College and later as head of the first viticultural department of Penfolds, Rob’s passion for wine growing and geology led him to be known as ‘The Dirtman’.
Surrounding an 1840s Blacksmith’s cottage, Gibson’s home property in Light Pass - Northern Barossa - features a 5-acre patch of Merlot, Fiano and Cabernet Sauvignon. These vines are planted under the Gibson-Schulz trellis system, a unique method co-invented by Rob.
The family also tends to a small old vine vineyard in the Eden Valley, ‘Burkes Hill’, planted to Shiraz and Riesling.
Alongside these estate vineyards, relationships forged by Rob over four decades with multi-generational Barossa grape growing families, provides Gibson with enviable access to some of the region’s most precious fruit. Crossing all compass points of the region, Gibson’s grower relationships are key. Not only in providing a multitude of complexity in the end wines, but as a means of supporting a sustainable, integrated wine growing community.
Often lost in an age of digital marketing and instant celebrity, Rob and family hold true to authenticity and down-to-earth character. A profound simplicity exists in viewing Gibson and their Barossa home as means of inspiring comfort and connection through wine.
Available in
Fiji, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan
Seeking Distribution in
Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam
Winemaker Bio
Geologist. Winemaker. Viticulturist. Founder of Gibson Wines. Over 45 years’ winemaking experience. Baron of the Barossa.
Rob ‘The Dirtman’ Gibson, is a legend in wine.
Prior to establishing Gibson in 1996, Rob was the founder of Penfold’s first viticultural department, working alongside fellow industry stalwarts, Don Ditter, John Duval and the founder of ‘Grange’, Max Schubert.
He has also travelled the world as a consultant on premium viticulture and site selection. As an early proponent of the “winegrowing” philosophy, there are few better qualified to speak to the notion that great wines are reflective of their site and how vineyards can be managed for flavour.
The nickname “The Dirtman” came from his time studying at Australia’s preeminent wine school, Roseworthy College, where viticulture students were known as dirt men and women, and winemaking students as ‘plonkies’.
For Rob, it has equal relevance also to his geology background and fascination for what lies beneath.
Rob lives adjacent to the Gibson winery at Light Pass in the Northern Barossa. With wife Anne, and along with son Adam, they are committed to the Barossa lifestyle and its community.
