Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Skillogalee, our Clare Valley wine estate in Sevenhill, including visiting the cellar door and restaurant, our wines and vineyards, accommodation, events, wine clubs and ordering wine.
If you cannot find the information you need below, please contact us.
About Skillogalee
Skillogalee is a family-owned wine estate in the Sevenhill subregion of South Australia’s Clare Valley. Established in 1970, the estate includes dry-grown vineyards, a winery, cellar door, restaurant and accommodation.
Skillogalee produces wines from its own estate vineyards as well as a Clare Valley range drawing on selected vineyards from across the region.
Skillogalee is located at 23 Trevarrick Road, Sevenhill, in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia.
The estate lies among the hills of the Skilly Valley, approximately 135 kilometres north of Adelaide and around 10 kilometres south of Clare.
Skillogalee is approximately 135 kilometres north of Adelaide. Driving time is generally around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point in Adelaide.
Skillogalee was established in 1970, when the first vineyards were planted on the property in Sevenhill. The vines were planted along the natural contours of the hills, an unusual approach at the time and one that remains a distinctive feature of the estate today.
Skillogalee takes its name from Skillogalee Creek, which runs through the lower eastern part of the estate.
The creek was named by explorer John Horrocks after an expedition in the 1840s during which his party, short of supplies, survived in part on a thin porridge known as “skillogalee” or “skilly”. The dish is thought to have Celtic origins and was associated with simple institutional fare in Ireland at the time.
When our vineyard and winery were established in 1970, they took the name Skillogalee from the creek.
Skillogalee is pronounced approximately SKILL-oh-gal-ee, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
The name is also commonly shortened to Skilly.
Yes. Skillagalee is a common misspelling of Skillogalee. Other variations occasionally include Skillogallee, Skillogale and Skillogally.
The correct spelling is Skillogalee.
Learn more about the history and origins of the Skillogalee name.
Visiting Skillogalee
Yes. Visitors can come to Skillogalee for wine tastings at the cellar door, dining at the restaurant and selected estate experiences. Accommodation is also available on the estate.
Bookings are recommended for wine tastings, particularly during weekends and busy periods, although walk-in visitors can be accommodated when space permits.
Groups of eight or more should contact us in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Skillogalee Restaurant, particularly for weekends and other busy periods. Walk-ins may be accommodated when tables are available.
Yes. The Skillogalee Cellar Door and Skillogalee Restaurant are separate experiences, so you are welcome to visit for a wine tasting without dining at the restaurant.
You can also combine a tasting and lunch or dinner when availability allows.
Yes. Skillogalee is a working wine estate, but you do not need to drink wine to visit. Guests may come for the restaurant, accommodation, events or simply as part of a visit to the estate.
Yes, although arrangements depend on the size and purpose of the group. Small groups can book cellar door tastings or restaurant reservations online, while larger groups, private functions and organised tours should contact us in advance.
A car is the easiest way to travel to Skillogalee and explore the Clare Valley.
If you plan to drink wine, we recommend arranging a designated driver, chauffeured transport or a local wine tour. Skillogalee is also accessible from sections of the Clare Valley’s cycling and walking network.
Yes. Parking is available on the Skillogalee estate for visitors to the cellar door, restaurant and accommodation.
Skillogalee can be reached from the Riesling Trail via the John Horrocks Loop, which passes through the Sevenhill and Skillogalee area.
Cyclists should check current trail maps and conditions before travelling.
Skillogalee Wines & Vineyards
Skillogalee produces a range of Clare Valley wines, with Riesling at the heart of the estate’s history.
Our portfolio includes Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties and blends, depending on the vintage and range.
Skillogalee’s Single Estate wines are made from grapes grown on our own vineyards in Sevenhill.
We also produce a Clare Valley range combining estate-grown fruit with grapes selected from vineyards elsewhere in the Clare Valley where they complement the style of the wine.
Skillogalee’s vineyards are located around the estate in Sevenhill in the Clare Valley, on undulating slopes adjoining the Spring Gully Conservation Park.
The vineyards are planted across differing elevations, aspects, slopes, soils and geological formations, which influence the character and ripening of individual vineyard blocks.
Yes. All of Skillogalee’s estate vineyards are dry-grown, relying entirely on natural rainfall rather than irrigation.
This influences vineyard management, yields and the way individual growing seasons are expressed in the wines.
Skillogalee’s oldest vineyard plantings date to 1970 and are now more than 50 years old. The estate also includes vineyard blocks planted across subsequent decades.
Some of the original and early plantings remain an important part of the estate today.
The Clare Valley is particularly well suited to Riesling because its elevation, climate and varied soils allow grapes to retain natural acidity while developing flavour and aromatic intensity.
Riesling has been central to Skillogalee since the estate was established, and remains one of our most important varieties.
Skillogalee wines are made without animal-derived fining agents and are suitable for vegans.
Yes. Many Skillogalee wines are suitable for cellaring, particularly Riesling and structured red wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The ideal drinking window varies considerably by wine and vintage. Individual wine pages provide more specific guidance where applicable.
For longer-term storage, wine should be kept in a cool, dark environment with a stable temperature.
Skillogalee uses both screw caps and DIAM cork closures, depending on the wine.
Our white wines are bottled under screw cap for consistency, freshness and protection against cork-related faults such as TCA, commonly known as cork taint. DIAM cork is used on selected red wines where we believe the closure is advantageous for longer-term ageing, while still providing a high level of consistency and protection against TCA.
The choice of closure is made according to the style of the wine and how we expect it to develop over time.
Small crystals occasionally found in wine are usually tartrate crystals, sometimes called wine diamonds. They form naturally from tartaric acid and mineral compounds already present in the wine.
Tartrate crystals are harmless and do not indicate that the wine is faulty. They may appear as clear crystals in white wine or darker deposits in red wine.
Skillogalee wines are made at our winery on the Skillogalee estate in Sevenhill, within South Australia’s Clare Valley wine region.
Our Single Estate wines are grown on the estate, while our Clare Valley range can also incorporate fruit selected from other vineyards within the Clare Valley.
Accommodation & Events
Yes. Skillogalee offers accommodation on the estate in the Clare Valley, ranging from private cottages to larger houses suited to families and groups.
Current accommodation includes Skillogalee House, Willow Glen House, Owl Cottage and Wren Cottage.
Yes. Skillogalee’s accommodation is located within the wider estate, with the individual properties positioned at different points among the vineyards and surrounding countryside.
Distances and access vary between properties, so check the individual accommodation page when choosing where to stay.
Yes. Skillogalee hosts weddings on the estate, with vineyard and garden settings, spaces for ceremonies and celebrations, and accommodation available on the property.
Yes. Skillogalee hosts private events and functions in a range of indoor and outdoor settings across the estate.
The most appropriate space depends on the type of event, guest numbers and time of year.
Buying Wine & Membership
Skillogalee wines can be purchased directly from our online store and cellar door. Selected wines are also available through restaurants, independent wine retailers and distributors in Australia and some international markets.
Yes. Skillogalee wines can be ordered online for delivery to eligible addresses within Australia, subject to our current shipping terms and alcohol delivery requirements.
Available delivery options and charges are shown during checkout.
International availability varies by country. Skillogalee wines are distributed in selected international markets, and direct international shipping may be possible to some destinations.
Please contact us if you are looking for Skillogalee wines outside Australia.
Yes. Skillogalee offers wine club memberships with regular wine deliveries, member pricing and other estate benefits.
Different membership options are available depending on your wine preferences and preferred level of commitment.
Friends & Family is Skillogalee’s broader membership community. Members receive benefits including member pricing, access to selected wine releases and invitations or access to selected estate events and experiences.
Yes. Friends & Family and Skillogalee wine club members receive member pricing according to their membership level.
Occasional offers may also be made available to members, but general promotional discount codes and coupons are not routinely issued.
