The one kilometre wall was built between 1915 and 1920 by John E Smith and his brother, Arthur. The wall is the first line of defence against the odd stray sheep that may attempt to fill its belly with ripe Merlot grapes growing in the Smith & Hooper vineyard.

The limestone rocks were collected by hand and moved by horse and cart from the paddocks before ploughing. Rocks too large to move were chopped by axe so they could be used in the wall. The Smith brothers’ engineering feat over 90 years ago has seen this great wall stand the test of time.

To ensure the wall continues to provide protection, the Smith & Hooper vineyard management team regularly replace any rocks that fall victim to gravity. Peter and James Freckleton, past and current managers of the Smith & Hooper Vineyard, are caretakers, as is John E Smith’s great grandson.