Aeronaut 'Marlbourough Sunset' Rosé 2025

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Aeronaut (Formerly Petit Ciel) produces wines that you need to take to your next dinner party. Why? So you can show off of course?!

For Leo, no matter the name, winemaking has been shaped by three main values: adventure, unique vineyard sites, and the deep love for the people he holds dear. Originally known as Petit Ciel, which translates to "little heaven" in French, the brand celebrated the special vineyards and cherished individuals that inspire each bottle. However, a brand naming challenge by a “big corporate” in Mexico led to a necessary transformation. Because of this, the wines had to embrace a new identity, with the core remaining the same.

With its new name, Aeronaut captures the spirit of those intrepid travelers who soared in hot air balloons, embarking on missions of discovery. This ethos mirrors Leo's quest: navigating the unknown while uncovering the beauty and stories that each vintage and each vineyard has to offer. Aeronaut not only pays homage to the adventures of fellow winemakers but also reflects the desire to connect deeply with wine lovers seeking unique experiences.

"Plus I've always wanted to fly!"

Leo tells us his story… 

“I studied a Bachelor’s in agronomy in Mexico, and during that time I was fortunate enough to get in touch with the wine industry. On a student trip to Portugal, getting to know a little bit about the Portuguese wine industry, I realised I wanted to dedicate myself to make something that would make people feel good. Something that made them happy.

Once I finished my bachelor’s degree, I wanted to focus on winemaking studies but there are no winemaking courses in Mexican universities. So I was going to have to study abroad, and for that, I had to work for a few years to save some money to pay for my winemaking degree. I worked in different parts of the world for a vegetable seed company until I was able to save enough money to go to the University of Adelaide, to do a Masters Degree in Oenology.

And that’s how my adventure in winemaking started. It has been an adventure that has allowed me to work around the world, always learning about winemaking in all these different places. I’ve made wine in Australia, Campo de Borja, and Rioja in Spain; China; Parras and Baja in Mexico, and Marlborough in New Zealand. I started coming to New Zealand for Vintage in 2010, until I got an offer for a permanent job in 2013. I’ve been here since then, living with my partner and our 6YO daughter.

My dream was always to make my own wine, and that’s how Petit Ciel Aeronaut was born”.