Crafted with Character

At Victorian Alps Wine Co., every bottle tells a story - of rugged landscapes, vibrant vineyards, and the people who bring them to life. We source premium grapes from King Valley and other standout regions across Victoria, crafting wines with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the land.

On this page, we introduce you to the people behind the label: the winemakers dedicated to expressing the true potential of every varietal, and our export manager, Louise, who shares our bold, adventurous spirit with wine lovers around the globe. Meet Andrew and Rosalia, the hearts and minds behind our wines - and discover what drives their dedication to quality, craft, and connection.

Andrew Santarossa

The first time Andrew Santarossa tasted a wine and could trace its journey - from vineyard to glass - he was hooked. Raised on a cane farm in North Queensland, Andrew always loved agriculture. But unlike
sugarcane, wine gave him something more: connection. Purpose. A story in every bottle.

After a stint in the mines and a completed electrician’s apprenticeship, he stepped into his first vintage in Western Australia and never looked back. Winemaking, he realized, was the perfect blend of science, craft, nature, and human experience. “Every region, vintage, and variety are different,” Andrew says. “That diversity excites me. There’s always something new to learn.”

Andrew honed his philosophy under the guidance of legends like Dr. Tony Jordan, who taught him the power of detail, and Olivier Krug, who showed him that great winemaking is inseparable from authentic storytelling. Today, as a winemaker at Victorian Alps Wine Co, he channels that wisdom into every decision, striving for balance, precision, and expression.

His personal mantra? “My best wines lie in the future.” It reflects a relentless pursuit of better, not perfection, but evolution.

Outside the winery, Andrew’s greatest joy is time with his family. They inspire his work, ground his perspective, and remind him what truly matters. He hopes to be remembered not just for great wines, but for being a good husband, father, and friend to those he works with.

At Victorian Alps Wine Co, his goal is simple: to craft wines that speak of place, spark conversation, and make everyday moments just a little more memorable.

Rosalia Villarino

Born in a small country town in Uruguay, Rosalia Villarino’s journey into winemaking is steeped in heritage and passion. Her great-grandfather planted the family’s first vines in 1888, and her grandfather built their winery in the 1950s. Although Rosalia initially pursued a career in biology, her deep-rooted connection to grapes and the rhythm of winemaking always lingered in her heart.

A working holiday in Australia led her to the Hunter Valley, where a spontaneous decision to work as a cellar hand rekindled a childhood memory of home - harvest aromas, grape juice, and the communal spirit of wine. From that first day, Rosalia knew she had found her calling.

She formalized her passion by studying Wine Science and now crafts wines as a Lead Winemaker at Victorian Alps Wine Co. Guided by mentors Andrew Santarossa and Toni Pla Bou, Rosalia brings a philosophy of hard work, humility, and continuous learning to her craft. She believes in wine’s enduring mystery and its ability to bring people together, a sentiment she pours into every bottle.

When she’s not in the winery, Rosalia is likely carving through the snow as a ski instructor—her “winter love” complementing her “summer love” of winemaking. Her favourite pairing? A rustic Uruguayan asado shared with a bottle of bold Tannat.

Rosalia hopes her wines leave people with more than just a great taste—she wants them to create memories, spark joy, and bring warmth tolife’s moments.

Louise Vogt

The first time Louise Vogt watched someone taste a wine she helped introduce to a new market, she was captivated - not by what they said, but by the way their eyes lit up, the smile that followed, and the silent pause
that said everything. “That moment, when wine speaks across borders -that’s the magic,” she says.

Louise’s journey into the wine world wasn’t planned - it was discovered. With a Masters in Communications and a thriving sales and management career, she made a lifestyle move from Sydney to Beechworth. That tree change unlocked a whole new path. Starting in domestic wine club and digital sales, Louise quickly saw a bigger opportunity: sharing the story of Australian wine with the world.

Now, as Export Manager at Victorian Alps Wine Co, Louise connects regional wines with global palates. Her guiding principle? Open, clear communication builds lasting trust. It’s the thread that weaves through every successful export partnership, project, and launch.

For Louise, exporting isn’t just business - it’s cultural exchange. “I love discovering region-specific wines and pairing them with local cuisine. When locals champion their produce, it’s deeply moving to be part of that celebration.”

Among her proudest achievements is the launch of the Bagnum - a game-changing, bottle-quality, 100% recyclable wine format that combines sustainability with superior logistics and export potential. 

Outside work, Louise thrives in the landscapes of North-East Victoria - hiking, running, spotting birds, or tending her veggie garden with her husband and chooks. She’s just as at home discovering hidden gem cafés as she is curled up with a good book, a great movie, and a glass of Sangiovese.

Louise hopes to be remembered as someone genuine, collaborative, and always willing to listen - with a laugh never too far away. “Wine is about connection, community, and joy. That’s what I want to be part of every day.”

Contact Louise