In 1987 Brent and Shirley Rawstron planted 3 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the banks of the Halswell River. Further plantings on north facing slopes have increased the total vineyard area to 6 hectares. The new plantings include a small area of Gewurztraminer.

In 1992 the winery was constructed. Grant Whelan, a Lincoln graduate, was Rossendale's winemaker from 1993 to 2002.

In 1998 Rossendale joined with other Canterbury based vineyards to form "Cellars of Marlborough" which purchased established Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Marlborough.

In 2002 Rossendale became a significant wine exporter, which necessitated shifting all winemaking to St Helena Estate whose modern equipment meets the stringent export requirements.

In 2004 The "Cellars of Marlborough" group dispersed. Rossendale took over 85 acres of prime producing Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Raupara area.

In 2008 Rossendale acquired the Cottesbrook label which has been successfully merchandised for the past 5 years in Tesco stores throughout the UK.

Each vintage presents it own challenges.

Vintage 2006 was marked by spring frosts which reduced the yield. Quality was reasonable.

Vintage 2006 Production: 180,000 litres of wine.

Vintage 2007 was very good in Marlborough. Cold and wet weather in the summer in Canterbury resulted in a poor fruit set. As the quality of the resulting grapes was so poor no harvest was taken from the Canterbury vineyards in 2007.

Vintage 2007 Production: 220,000 litres of wine

Vintage 2009:
Blenheim
The Blenheim harvest finished in Blenheim at the end of April. The fruit was all harvested in a very good condition, and the fermentation process is now underway. The first bottling of Sauvignon Blanc is booked for the end of July.

Halwsell
The Gewurztraminer was hand picked on 14/15th April, the Pinot Noir on 5/6th May. Both crops had healthy fruit and yielded as expected.

5% of Rossendale's production is sold through Rossendale Restaurant and Lansdowne Homestead. The balance is exported to UK, Ireland and USA.

Rossendale's wines are made with an emphasis on the primary fruit characteristics. Oak treatment for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is subtle. The wines are to be enjoyed with food at any time of the day.