Clonakilla is one of Australia's most celebrated wineries, at Murrumbateman in the Canberra District. John Kirk, an Irish scientist, came to Australia in 1968 to work for the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry in Canberra. Told the climate was too cold for vines, he didn't believe it, and in 1971 he bought a 44-acre block at Murrumbateman and began planting, making him one of the district's pioneers.
His son Tim Kirk took the winery to national fame, especially with the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, inspired by the wines of Côte-Rôtie, which became one of Australia's most admired reds and helped put the Canberra District on the map.
In June 2024 Clonakilla was invited to join Australia's First Families of Wine, recognising its multi-generational family ownership and exceptional vineyards. The cellar door welcomes visitors at Murrumbateman.
- Founded
- 1971
Regions
Wines
- Clonakilla Canberra District Cabernet Merlot — Red
- Clonakilla Canberra District Semillon Sauvignon Blanc — White
- Clonakilla Chardonnay Tumbarumba — White
- Clonakilla Grenache Blend Ceoltoiri — Red
- Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz — Red
- Clonakilla Jack Reidy Canberra District Shiraz — Red
- Clonakilla Murrumbateman Pinot Noir — Red
- Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz — Red
- Clonakilla Red Blends Ballinderry — Red
- Clonakilla Red genericsblends Ballinderry — Red
- Clonakilla Riesling — White
- Clonakilla Shiraz Murrumbateman Syrah — Red
- Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier — Red
- Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier T&L Vineyard Block One — Red
- Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier T&L Vineyard Block Two — Red
- Clonakilla Sweet white Riesling Auslese — Dessert
- Clonakilla T&L Vineyard Block One Southern Tablelands Shiraz Viognier — Red
- Clonakilla Viognier — White
- Clonakilla Viognier Murrumbateman — White
- Clonakilla Viognier Nouveau — White
- Clonakilla Western Vineyard Shiraz Viognier — Red