Clonakilla

Clonakilla is one of Australia's most respected names in cool-climate winemaking, based in Murrumbateman — a small village in the Canberra District wine region, sitting just across the NSW border from the ACT. Though the structured data lists the state as VIC, Murrumbateman sits within New South Wales, and Clonakilla is firmly associated with the Canberra District appellation.

The winery has built its reputation over decades, and is particularly well regarded for its Shiraz Viognier — a style that helped define what the Canberra District could achieve with cool-climate red winemaking. The co-fermentation of Shiraz with a small proportion of Viognier, a technique with roots in France's northern Rhône Valley, produces wines with distinctive aromatic lift and fine-grained structure that have attracted serious attention from collectors and critics alike.

The Wines

Clonakilla's Shiraz Viognier is the wine most visitors will want to seek out. It is widely considered a benchmark example of the style in Australia, and bottles from strong vintages are often held in high regard on the secondary market. Beyond this flagship, the winery produces a range of cool-climate varieties well suited to the region's elevation and continental climate, including Riesling and other Rhône-inspired expressions.

Cellar Door Experience

Clonakilla offers tours for visitors, making it a worthwhile destination if you're planning to spend time exploring the Canberra District wine region. It's worth checking the winery's website ahead of your visit to confirm current cellar door hours, tasting formats, and tour availability, as these details can change seasonally.

Getting There

Murrumbateman is around 30 minutes by car from central Canberra, making Clonakilla a straightforward day trip from the capital. The winery is located at 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman, and is accessible via the Yass Valley wine region. If you're travelling by caravan or coach, check the website before setting out to confirm access details for larger vehicles.

Visitor Tips

The Canberra District is home to a cluster of cellar doors in and around Murrumbateman, so it's easy to combine a visit to Clonakilla with stops at neighbouring wineries. Given Clonakilla's profile, it can be busier than smaller producers in the area — visiting on a weekday or booking a tour in advance is a sensible approach if you prefer a quieter experience.