Rob attributes its success to “a lot of help and patience, especially from the family.”
Like the man himself, Gibsons is committed to honest, authentic and “fiercely local” wines that reflect Barossa terroir.
“I was driven by a confidence that I knew something special (about winegrowing) and I really wanted to show what I could do,” Gibbo says.
“We started with 167 cases of Merlot in 1996 and basically doubled our production every year from there.”
While the signature Dirtman Barossa Shiraz accounts for over half of production, Gibbo remains devoted to innovating.
His foray into Mediterranean wine styles is both strategic and experimental, in the belief they can “stand up” against increasingly dry conditions.
“The Discovery Road label is all about discovering new varieties, Fiano, Nero D’Avola and Montepulciano,” says Gibbo.
“Stylistically, I anticipate these will be great Shiraz blenders and help mitigate the impact of climate change on Barossa wine styles.”
Whatever his legacy, ultimately Gibbo hopes he won’t be remembered as a conformist.
“I’m pretty typical of winemaking types, just being adventurous with flavours. I can’t be pleased, I’m always looking for something better,” he says.
“I was once accused of being self-styled – it was intended as an insult, but I took it as a real compliment!”