Joseph Napoleone first came to Australia in 1926, clearing bush for day wages to earn enough money to bring his wife Josephine and their 5 children over from Italy. They weathered some trying economic times, and in 1948 they purchased land in Wandin and planted their first orchards, establishing the family business, Red Rich Fruits.
In the 1960’s, the first generation of Napoleone’s were born in Australia (Josephina, 1960, Joe 1961, Michael 1972), the fruit business continued to grow, and in 1978, as the Yarra Valley wine industry began to pick up again, the Napoleone’s purchased the property at Coldstream which was the original St. Huberts vineyards and winery. This historic land is now home to Punt Road Winery and Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse.
Vines were first planted on the property in 1987 and, in the late 1990’s, a modern winery was built on the Napoleone Vineyard here in Coldstream. 2001 was the inaugural vintage for Punt Road Wines, and today, the Napoleone family and their team of dedicated staff run their vineyards, winery, orchards, brewery and ciderhouse, and they are committed to crafting the most exceptional wines, beers and ciders in the Yarra Valley.