About
Crafting Single-Estate Clare Valley Wines Since 1970
Founded in 1970 in the Sevenhill subregion, Skillogalee has become part of the Clare Valley’s wine story with Riesling, Shiraz and other estate-grown varieties recognised for their character and ability to age.
The Unique Terroir of Our Vineyards
Skillogalee’s vineyards were established in the early 1970s at nearly 500 metres above sea level, among the highest in South Australia at the time. Planted along natural contour lines on steep, east-facing slopes, the vines sit in shallow, stony dolomite soils that shape structure, minerality and longevity.
The vineyards are hand-pruned, with most fruit still hand-picked. Yields are naturally low, producing intensely flavoured, aromatic whites and deeply coloured reds. Surrounded by native bushland, the estate supports rich biodiversity, with wildlife a constant presence in and around the vineyards.
Soils across the estate range from sandy loam over red and brown clay to areas of exposed dolomite. This diversity creates distinct growing conditions from block to block, contributing to the individuality of the wines. Dry-grown farming encourages deep root systems and long-term vine health.
Riesling remains central to the Clare Valley and to Skillogalee. Alongside Riesling we cultivate Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Gewürztraminer, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Muscat and old-vine Grenache. Together these sites present classic Clare Valley styles and precise expressions of place.
Our Home in the Skilly Valley
The Skilly Valley, in the Sevenhill subregion of the Clare Valley, is home to Skillogalee. Shaped by rolling hills, steep gullies and native bushland, it is a landscape with a long history and a character that continues to define our wines. So closely is the estate tied to its setting that the valley itself has become widely known as the “Skilly Valley.”
The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with more than 160 years of history. Though it produces less than five percent of the nation’s wine, it is recognised for Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional quality and longevity. Within this region, the Skilly Valley holds a distinct identity, combining elevation, contours and climate in a way that shapes wines of purity and structure.
At close to 500 metres above sea level, Skillogalee’s vineyards are among the highest in South Australia, pioneering for the Clare Valley in the 1970s. Warm days and cool nights create large diurnal shifts that slow ripening and preserve natural acidity, while most rainfall arrives in winter and spring, leaving summers dry and clean. These conditions give fruit both intensity and freshness, producing wines recognised for their character and ability to age.
The Skilly Valley is also a place of beauty and biodiversity. Vineyards are interwoven with conservation bushland that supports birdlife, kangaroos and other wildlife, reinforcing a sense of balance between land and vineyard. This connection to place is central to Skillogalee and is reflected in every wine we make.
Sustainability and the environment
Sustainability guides vineyard and estate decisions. Skillogalee has been honoured twice with the Primary Industries and Regions South Australia Regional Wine Award for Sustainability. As an EcoVineyards partner, we have planted thousands of native species to create habitat for beneficial insects and bats, introduced native grasses as cover crops, regenerated bushland and removed invasive species.
Our vineyards are dry-grown and carefully managed to minimise intervention and chemical inputs while encouraging biodiversity. Practices are guided by organic and biodynamic principles, with an emphasis on soil health and long-term vine resilience.
Boutique winemaking
Skillogalee operates on a boutique scale, processing around 250 tonnes each vintage in small, closely managed batches. White wines are handled to capture purity and aromatic detail. For reds we favour time-honoured methods, including open fermenters and a traditional basket press, to extract flavour and colour without over-extraction. Gentle fruit handling and rigorous winery hygiene support restrained sulphur use while preserving clarity and energy in the wines.
Awards and recognition
The heart of Skillogalee: our people
