Upon marrying Brian McGuigan, Fay knew little about the wine industry, and convinced her husband to let her work in the winery to get a better understanding. After two vintages, she had the technical side of winemaking worked out. More challenging was the prospect of taking Australian wine to the rest of the world.
As one of the pioneers of wine export, Fay McGuigan has been hailed as an ambassador for Australian wine in international markets. Her involvement in the export industry has earned her awards around the world, such as the NSW Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, Ausindustry section.
In 1999, Fay was honoured with an Australian Export Heroes Award by the Australian Institute of Export. She has also served on the committee of the Prime Ministers Supermarkets to Asia council, chaired by Prime Minister John Howard.