The Making of a Name
Ghost Rock wines received its name change in 2001, when Cate and Colin Arnold bought the Patrick Creek vineyard and hence the former Patrick Creek label. Feeling the brand needed a ‘bit of a face lift’ a new branding campaign ensued and a new name needed to be acquired. Ghost Rock was chosen and the history behind the name goes something like this.

“Ghost Rock Hill is just west of the Summerhill Park turnoff on the Port Sorell Main Road. There was a steep pinch where horses slowed and cyclists were obliged to dismount and walk. The hill received its name last century because of events claimed to have occurred around a large rock situated beside the road. Several versions of the name’s origin have appeared, perhaps each version being somewhat embellished. But the following is vouched for by elderly residents.

Mr. Lou Wilson was approaching the area on horseback about 1895 on the way to Northdown Post Office to post a letter to his lady love. From behind the rock appeared some white-clad ‘ghosts’ which caused him and his mount sufficient fright for him to abandon the errand and swiftly return home to Larooma. From then on it became a popular local larrikin prank to bait other riders approaching the locality.”*

The rock has since been obliterated and the gradient reduced by road realignment in the 1950’s.

The name is greeted with much interest and the story cements the branding with clients. The name, and accompanying story, encompasses a sense of fun and regionality, keeping alive local history and infusing the new label with a sense of personality.