FAMILY HERITAGE
Planted high in Oregon’s Coast Range foothills, Fairsing is a continuation of journeys undertaken by our Irish ancestors in pursuit of the promise of a fulfilling life for their families.
Our sustainable vineyard and surrounding forest embody the dream pursued by generations of Irish farmers and merchants who traversed an ocean and a continent to shape a new future.
It is here, on our family owned and operated vineyard, that indelible merchant and farming traditions intertwine to grow and to serve world-class Oregon wines for generations to come.
EARTH STEWARDSHIP
Fairsing, an Irish word that translates to bountiful, reflects the plentiful resources of our unique site which is endowed with numerous ridges, deep intervening draws, acres of forest and streams that flow year-round.
We established Fairsing Vineyard in the summer of 2005, with the purchase of approximately 200 acres of harvested forestland.
By October 2006, eighteen acres of vines were successfully planted and trellised with the assistance of Oregon’s collegial winegrower community. Vineyard development continued at roughly five acres per year, with a total of thirty-eight acres of Pinot noir and five acres of Chardonnay currently under vine.
Grapevines at Fairsing are nestled among one-hundred acres of forest, Seventy acres have been reforested with 18,000 conifers, 3,000 deciduous trees, and more than 6,000 native shrubs.
“We care for this land with sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to ensure future generations can also enjoy its beauty and share in its bounty.”
– Mary Ann and Mike McNally
FAMILY HERITAGE
Planted high in Oregon’s Coast Range foothills, Fairsing is a continuation of journeys undertaken by our Irish ancestors in pursuit of the promise of a fulfilling life for their families.
Our sustainable vineyard and surrounding forest embody the dream pursued by generations of Irish farmers and merchants who traversed an ocean and a continent to shape a new future.
It is here, on our family owned and operated vineyard, that indelible merchant and farming traditions intertwine to grow and to serve world-class Oregon wines for generations to come.
EARTH STEWARDSHIP
Fairsing, an Irish word that translates to bountiful, reflects the plentiful resources of our unique site which is endowed with numerous ridges, deep intervening draws, acres of forest and streams that flow year-round.
We established Fairsing Vineyard in the summer of 2005, with the purchase of approximately 200 acres of harvested forestland.
By October 2006, eighteen acres of vines were successfully planted and trellised with the assistance of Oregon’s collegial winegrower community. Vineyard development continued at roughly five acres per year, with a total of thirty-eight acres of Pinot noir and five acres of Chardonnay currently under vine.
Grapevines at Fairsing are nestled among one-hundred acres of forest, Seventy acres have been reforested with 18,000 conifers, 3,000 deciduous trees, and more than 6,000 native shrubs.
“We care for this land with sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to ensure future generations can also enjoy its beauty and share in its bounty.”
– Mary Ann and Mike McNally
VALUES AND MISSION
Fairsing Vineyard values a commitment to heritage, sustainability, and the joys of life: Family, Earth, and Smiles.
Teaghlaigh (family), Cré (earth), Aoibh gáire (smile)
SMILES – THE JOYS OF LIFE
Fairsing’s mission is to provide our guests with an experiences that create smiles.
We smile when we recognize the simple joys of life.
This begins with savoring an exceptional glass of wine while gazing on breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley.
The smile returns when recalling that experience while enjoying Fairsing wines at home, or sharing them among family and friends.
It is easy to smile when we take time to enjoy our families, friends, and the bounty of nature.
SMILES – THE JOYS OF LIFE
Fairsing’s mission is to provide our guests with an experiences that create smiles.
We smile when we recognize the simple joys of life.
This begins with savoring an exceptional glass of wine while gazing on breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley.
The smile returns when remembering that experience while enjoying Fairsing wines at home or sharing them with family and friends.
It is easy to smile when we take time to enjoy our families, friends, and the bounty of nature.
MARY ANN and MIKE McNALLY – Proprietors
We were both born in Nebraska, raised our children in Texas and became Oregonians in the fall of 2007. Our three children are spread out between St. Louis, MO, San Diego, CA and nearby Portland, OR.
When asked, “Why a vineyard in Oregon?” our response is wholehearted appreciation for the rewards and challenges as growers of quality grapes and the camaraderie of the Willamette Valley’s supportive wine community.
We learn so much from our generous industry colleagues and deeply value the friendships cultivated in this diverse community.
To be completely honest though, when we contemplated a life among the hills of the Willamette Valley, it’s the wines that convinced us.
Oregon’s Pinot noir and Chardonnay is extraordinary and we are extremely fortunate to share – from a sustainable vineyard that honors our heritage – the fermented fruits of our labors with family and friends near and far.
“Why a vineyard in Oregon?” There really is no better life for us.
ROBERT BRITTAN – Winemaker
A veteran of the wine industry since the early 1970s, Robert Brittan began his career in the Central Valley of California. Robert attended the University of California at Davis, graduating with a degree in Fermentation Science in 1981.
Robert made wines for Far Niente Winery, St. Andrews Vineyard and Stags’ Leap Winery. In addition to managing his own vineyard and crafting wines for Brittan Vineyards, Robert is the consulting winemaker for select vineyards in the Northern Willamette Valley.
A firm believer that wines are much more compelling as they age, Robert is committed to a minimalist winemaking style and partners with exceptional vineyard sites to craft wines that cellar beautifully.
Since 2012, Robert and his team have been crafting wines for Fairsing that are expressive and distinctive to the estate. Robert’s enthusiasm for Fairsing’s varied exposures, geology, microclimates, and selections is reflected in our acclaimed, site-driven wines.
MEARA McNALLY BUTLER – General Manager
Meara has a head for data, a heart for textile arts, and the stamina for Irish dance.
Meara and husband, Gus, are parents of two children who keep them on their toes.
With a master’s degree in Geography and ten years experience in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Fairsing learned quickly, we would be lost without her.
KATE SPIELMAN – Marketing Manager
A Nebraska native with a business degree from Creighton University, Kate started with Fairsing as our Wine Club Manager and now manages marketing, social media, and digital programs.
In a career that began with detasseling corn, Kate has over 25 years experience in small business strategy with emphasis in hospitality development and concept design. Her most recent tenure combined her marketing and sales strengths.
When not traveling to Oregon or beyond, Kate can be found walking with her rescue dog, avoiding home-improvement projects or enjoying a glass of wine.
BRANDY GREY – Tasting Room & Events Manager
A former print journalist, Brandy moved to Oregon sight unseen over a decade ago and fell in instant love with the Willamette Valley.
While completing the winemaking program at Chemeketa College in Salem, OR, Brandy managed tasting rooms, developed hospitality teams, and assisted with commercial production of a number of vintages throughout the Valley. Brandy also helps care for her family’s tiny Chehalem Mountain estate.
When she’s not at work, Brandy and her husband can be found restoring their historic Queen Anne Victorian and dabbling in dance theater productions whenever possible.
JESSICA HARVEY – Wine Club and Fulfillment Manager
An Oregon native, Jessica (Jess) holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon with emphasis in photography, multimedia, and business.
Jess travels extensively exploring new cuisines and wine regions with visits to Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and France among her favorites.
True to her Pacific Northwest roots, Jess enjoys hiking, skiing, clamming, crabbing, swimming, and activities on the water including kayaking, standup paddle-boarding, and wakeboarding.
Jess brings seven years of industry experience in wine club management compliance, accounting, shipping, and logistics.
We’re fortunate that a visit to Fairsing years ago, and a memorable Chardonnay, left a lasting impression with Jess and inspired her to join our team.
DONNA WALTEMATH – Hospitality Lead
Donna was raised in Portland and graduated from the University of Oregon.
Following a 20-year career in television and film post production in Los Angeles, Donna and her husband returned to Oregon in 2005.
An avid flower gardener, Donna enjoys cooking, hiking, and sharing time with family and friends.
KELSEY TAYLOR – Tasting Room Associate and Fulfillment Coordinator
A lifelong Oregonian, Kelsey holds a degree in Geology and a deep love for the land of the Pacific Northwest.
With a focus on sustainability, Kelsey found the wine industry in the Willamette Valley an ideal fit and has worked in hospitality, shipping, and production.
Kelsey enjoys running, hiking, and rock hunting along river banks and the Oregon Coast.
ROBERTO VILLA – Estate Assistant
An early Fairsing team member, Roberto is integral to the year-round stewardship of the estate and to the success of numerous sustainability initiatives.
A generous gardener, Roberto is quick to share his bumper crops of zucchini, peppers, and sweet corn.
While incredibly camera-shy, Roberto’s positivity and helpful nature is best reflected in many of Fairsing’s projects and plantings.
1956 CHEVROLET MODEL 4409 – The Grape Hauler
Fairsing Vineyard’s eye candy.
This gas-guzzling Chevy “stake body” flat-bed truck loves its mechanic.
Born in 1956 with a Taskmaster 265 cubic inch, 155 horsepower V8 engine under the hood, the Grape Hauler emerged from a much-needed overhaul with more muscle.
To power through the rolling hills around the Willamette Valley, Fairsing upgraded to a heavy duty transmission with a 350 cubic inch 400 horsepower V8 engine.
During harvest season, crush pad crews swoon when the Grape Hauler pulls up and flexes with a full load of freshly picked Pinot noir.
When not on the road during harvest, it is home to a family of mice who live beneath the dash.
DOYLE and DARCY
Fairsing Vineyard’s dynamic duo.
True to their Labrador lineage these knuckleheads take advantage of every open fence gate they encounter.
It’s not every vineyard dog that can destroy an entire underground sprinkler system, gobble the picnic lunches of tasting room visitors, and still manage to land a spread in the 2018 edition of Wine Dogs Oregon, but these two trouble makers did it. Look for copies in our tasting room – we recommend checking out page 24.
Demoted from positions on the hospitality team due to their canine enthusiasms, Doyle and Darcy can be found in “time out”, roaming the orchard or, most likely, lounging in their kennel.
