Welcome to Our World…
We never thought we’d end up on the Teviotdale Hills. Vineyards here usually belong to someone else’s story. But in 2020, we walked Fernbank for the first time — and the land made the decision for us.
The soil composition on this side of the Waipara Valley is rare and prized. Clay and limestone sit beneath every row, giving natural structure, depth, and a distinctive mineral thread to the wines grown here. Matt saw it immediately: textbook ground for expressive, long-lived wines. I saw the valley from the highest point of the block and felt something settle — a place both grounding and overwhelming in its beauty. We hadn’t expected it, but we couldn’t walk away.
Fernbank was planted in 2002 and farmed conventionally until we arrived, just three months before the 2021 harvest. We stepped straight into the chaos and rhythm of vineyard and vintage, learning the lessons day by day. From the very beginning, we committed to organic practices and began the three-year journey toward BioGro certification. Not because it’s easy, but because it allows the land to speak more clearly.
When you remove harsh chemicals, everything comes alive — helpful insects, wild growth, competing life — and we’ve learned to work with that energy, not against it. Organic farming has deepened the character of our fruit and brought more honesty to our wines.
Each season leaves its own fingerprint, and that’s what excites us. The land provides consistency; the weather writes the story. Together, they create wines that reflect where we farm and the seasons we live through.
With mature vines and a site full of potential, Fernbank had everything we hoped for long before we had the words for it.
Meet the Barbours
We met while working together, and that partnership has become one of our greatest strengths.
Matt brings an endless can-do attitude, hands-on curiosity, and a love for figuring things out. Helen brings resourcefulness, organisation, and stubborn optimism. Side by side, we make a team that keeps the vineyard thriving — tackling challenges as they arise and celebrating the small wins along the way.
We began Fernbank while juggling two full-time jobs, which gave us a sharp knack for making every moment in the vineyard count. Over the years, we’ve built strong connections within our incredible wine community, creating a valued support network and opportunities to give back. Today, we co-lease two smaller vineyards and run a contracting business, helping other vineyard owners with mechanical management and practical support.
We are passionately for our wine region — its soils, climate, and people create exceptional wines, and the sense of community here is palpable.
Supporting and championing Waipara wines is not just part of what we do; it’s at the heart of who we are.
And then there’s
Ali Barbour: The Third Musketeer
Ali Barbour, our gorgeous yellow Labrador, is the secret sauce of Fernbank — very much part of day-to-day life in the vineyard.
His skills and interests include tractor riding, quad bikes, air compressors, pressure washers, nest detection, mice pouncing… and, of course, sleeping. Lots of sleeping.
We simply adore his boundless character and energy for everything we do, and we’re consistently envious of his talent for turning work into a full-time nap.
Finally…but most important
We want to honour our families, friends and community who encouraged us to take the leap of faith and continue to help us on our journey. We have always been deeply grateful for the knowledge shared, hard toil volunteered and the odd piece of machinery loaned in a time of need. We may look like we do all this by ourselves but there is a large village behind us cheering us on and working alongside us where possible. We are humbled and eternally grateful for such support freely given.
Contact us
20,000 vines is our community but we’d like to add humans to the mix!
One off messages or sign up for more info on events and new releases- we are here for all of it but in moderation.