Clonakilla is more than a winery—it is a landmark in Australian fine wine. Founded in 1971 by Dr. John Kirk, an Irish physicist inspired by the Rhône Valley, Clonakilla helped define the cool-climate potential of the Canberra District long before the region was widely recognized. From humble beginnings on the granite soils of Murrumbateman, it has grown into one of the country’s most revered family-run estates.

Set at an elevation of around 600 metres, the vineyard enjoys a continental climate with cold nights, warm days, and a long ripening season—ideal conditions for Syrah (Shiraz), Viognier, and Riesling. The soils are decomposed granite and clay, low in fertility but high in character, allowing the vines to express subtle site nuances. Organic practices, dry farming, and low yields support fruit of intensity and balance.

Winemaking at Clonakilla is guided by minimal intervention and precision. Fermentations often begin spontaneously, with whole-bunch inclusion used judiciously to enhance perfume and structure. Oak is employed with restraint, allowing the purity of fruit and texture to shine. Each parcel is treated individually, and blending is done with an eye to complexity, elegance, and aromatic lift.

The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is a modern icon—floral, spice-laden, and ethereal, it draws inspiration from Côte-Rôtie yet speaks with a distinctly Australian accent. Red fruits, rose petal, and white pepper swirl through a silken frame. It is a wine of aromatic intensity and enduring grace. The Hilltops Shiraz, sourced from nearby regions, offers a deeper, darker expression, while the O’Riada Shiraz combines structure with spice and finesse. The Viognier and Riesling bottlings are equally precise—pure, mineral, and finely tuned.

Clonakilla is still family-owned, with Tim Kirk—John’s son—at the helm, combining scientific rigour with poetic sensitivity. Under his direction, the estate continues to evolve, always anchored in place and family.

Each bottle is a cool-climate hymn—fragrant, detailed, and imbued with the quiet beauty of Murrumbateman’s granite hills.