In 1989, John and Vivienne Phipps purchased a block of land on the now-famous Martinborough terraces. Together with their daughters, the Phipps family lovingly planted several thousand vines by hand; this being the beginning of Ashwell Vineyards. The vineyard was expanded in 1991, to its current size of approximately 10 acres, small enough to remain a true boutique vineyard. The vines are tended mostly by hand (including harvesting), ensuring high quality grapes and wines. All wines are created with grapes grown on our own vineyards.