Ruggabellus

Ruggabellus, meaning 'rugged beauty', is the creation of Abel and Emma Gibson— Abel is a winemaker with roots deep in the Barossa Valley. Growing up amidst the vineyards and cellars of Penfolds and Rockford, Abel was immersed in Barossa’s winemaking culture from an early age, guided by local legends like Charlie Melton and his father, Rob Gibson. However, Abel’s path was never about imitation; instead, he has blended tradition with innovation to carve out a distinctive style that was wholly his own.

Ruggabellus is all about freshness and vitality, a different take on the Barossa. Abel picks his fruit early, resulting in reds that are aromatic and elegant, not the heavy hitters you might expect from the region. Whole bunch fermentation adds spice and complexity, while the use of old oak ensures that the fruit takes centre stage, not the barrel. His whites, meanwhile, are some of Australia’s best examples of skin-contact amber wines—intriguing blends of Riesling, Muscat, and Semillon with remarkable depth.

"So if you want to look at the most considered and best orange wines in the country, well, here you go."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)

After launching the label in 2011, Abel and his wife Emma bought a vineyard in Flaxman’s Valley, nurturing it back to health to become a crucial part of their wine story. They also source fruit from various sites, creating blends that express a multi-faceted view of the Barossa.

Ruggabellus wines are crafted with biodynamic principles in mind—guided by the lunar calendar, fermented naturally, and moved by gravity rather than pumps. These are wines that are built for ageing, evolving beautifully over time.

Abel’s winemaking is about honouring the land while pushing boundaries, creating lighter, fresher wines that pair perfectly with food and friends. Each bottle of Ruggabellus captures the rugged beauty of the Barossa—a reflection of the land Abel loves and the unique vision he brings to it.