Murdoch James Estate is owned by Roger and Jill Fraser. In 1986 they planted their first Pinot Noir and Syrah vines on the historic “Saleyards Block” located on the Martinborough Terraces. Early competition success established the winery's reputation. In 1998, the area of vines under cultivation was expanded with the purchase of the old Blue Rock Vineyard, located 8 kilometers south of Martinborough Village on the Dry River terraces, a vineyard also first planted in the mid-1980’s, with mainly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling vines. More recent plantings of Syrah, Pinot Gris and new Pinot clones have increased the area under vines to 25 hectares. Murdoch James Estate recently gained BIOGRO status. The vineyards are operated on a bio-sustainable basis with the objective of capturing the true 'terroir' of each vineyard. Wherever possible the use of sprays is minimised to ensure the vines are healthy and resilient. The winery features a large tasting room and café, from which visitors can look out over the river valley to Lake Wairarapa and, beyond, the Rimutaka Ranges.