1968 - Len Evans and Murray Tyrrell along with other investors, started the Rothbury Estate. Within its first few years The Rothbury Estate planted more than 300 hectares of vines and commenced building its impressive winery, which was widely regarded as being years ahead of its time aesthetically and functionally. 1971 -The building was awarded the 'Blackett Award' for a building of outstanding merit, and has become a landmark in the Hunter Valley Wine Country. 1972 - The Estate produces it's first Vintage and the winery is officially opened. 1970s - Backed by a wealthy friend, Peter Fox, Len Evans founded the Evans Wine Company. The company acquired Rothbury as well as two small chateaux in Bordeaux and a vineyard in the Napa Valley. 1981 - Peter Fox was tragical killed when his Ferrari ran off the road. His company, Adelaide Holdings, went into receivership. Luckily Rothbury was salvaged. 1994 - Michael Hope gives up pharmacy to follow his dream. Michael and his wife Karen along with their 3 sons move from Sydney to the Hunter Valley in order to start their own winery in Broke. 1994 -Len Evans, Chairman of Rothbury has taken The Rothbury Estate from a 10,000 case company in 1972 to one of 650,000 cases in 1996, employing over 200 people. 1996 - Beringer Blass Wine Estates, the global wine division of Foster's Group Limited, acquired The Rothbury Estate. 1997 - The Hope family release their first vintage from the Broke winery, under the label Hope Estate. 2000 - Neil McGuigan became Head Winemaker, injecting a fresh and renewed energy into the winery. 2006 - Len Evans passes away from heart failure and the Australian wine community mourns the loss of a legend. You can see the Signature of Len Evans in the Great Cask Hall. 2006 - Family owned Hope Estate moves from its Broke home and takes over the Foster’s owned Rothbury Estate property. The sale included the 4000 tonne winery, cellar door and adjacent vineyards. As part of the deal Foster’s retained all rights to the Rothbury Estate brand. 2008 - Harvest Restaurant is built on the top floor of the Hope Estate building. 2008 - The Estate grounds undergo a renovation and a purpose built 19, 000 person capacity outdoor amphitheatre is constructed. Since then, the Estate has been host to many international acts including Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, The Who, Neil Diamond and Sting. 2011 - Hope Estate is selected amongst other elite venues to be part of the "Oprah Ultimate Australia Adventure', which is hosted in the Great Cask Hall 2011 - CMC Rocks the Hunter is moved to Hope Estate for its annual Country Music Festival. | 
