Ken and Jill Small established Fairhall Downs Estate and planted the first vines in 1982. In 1994 they were joined by their daughter and son in law, Julie and Stuart Smith. The first bottle of Sauvignon Blanc of the Fairhall Downs label was produced in 1996. Fairhall Downs Estate is situated on Wrekin Road at the head of Marlborough's Brancott Valley. The vineyard comprises of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varietals. The distinctive label chosen for Fairhall Downs is drawn from the distinctive cellar door framed by the Wrekin Hills in the background. All the wines produced by Fairhall Downs are grown on the 100% family owned vineyards to strict sustainable practices, which are currently undergoing conversion to organic.

http://www.fairhalldowns.co.nz

Stuart Smith; son in-law, business partner and passionate vineyard viticulturist, came from an agricultural background, farming with sheep and deer in Canterbury. Stuart also recently became the president of New Zealand's Grape Growers Council. Stuart gives meticulous attention to the cultivation of the grape varieties on the Fairhall Downs Estate. Knowing that sustainable viticulture and skilled wine-making methods are paramount for the best Marlborough wines, the family-run company sets itself strict procedures. These include restricted cropping practices and careful pruning, trimming and leaf plucking methods, ensuring premium vintages of its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and varietals are consistently produced. (Dec. '07) - Stuart was named by New Zealand Winegrower magazine as their NZ Wine Personality of the year 2007.