Wayne and Pat Thomas founded Fern Hill Estate Wines at McLaren Flat in the 1970's. In those days the winery was known as Thomas Fern Hill and it was under that name that the reputation for producing limited quantities of exceptional regional wines was forged. Fern Hill Estate quickly grew in prominence and for many years has been a popular destination for wine lovers from all over Australia. Wayne and Pat Thomas sold Thomas Fern Hill in 1994 and it is now a part of the James Australia Group. Fern Hill Estate wines have recently been relocated from McLaren Flat to share the cellar door outlet with Marienberg Wines at 2 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale. Today the Fern Hill range is composed of varietals derived from the best producing areas for each style.