Skillogalee Winery, Restaurant and Lodgings: The Clare Valley in the Mid North region of South Australia
If you're thinking of a weekend indulgence think no further than this hidden treasure of the Clare Valley. Skillogalee is on the slopes of Spring Gully Conservation Park about seven kilometres south of Clare township.
Back at the turn of last century the idyllic valley was carved up into small family farms like the one members of the Ninnes family ran in about 1900 when they built their quaint little home. Today, it has a level of indulgence that would shock the patriarch, Joseph Ninnes.
Current owner, Dave Palmer showed us around, pointing out the luxurious bathroom and king-size bedrooms. As David explained, one of the bedrooms used to be used for a very different purpose:
“This used to be the cellar door for the winery that we took over. It was a cellar door for ten years. People used to come in here and have their wine tastings. We've put in the French Windows, an ensuite bathroom and a lovely view.”
The view really is gorgeous. It takes in the vine-covered Skillogalee Valley and would be a delight to wake up at any time of the year.
“The vines are relatively young compared to some wine regions of South Australia,” David said. “They are about thirty five years old. This was one of the early vineyards of the ‘new wave’ if you like.”
Skillogalee's first vintage was in 1976 and it's now famous for it's Rieslings. Those first plantings now surround David and Di Palmer's bed and breakfast accommodation where the true pleasures are a mere stroll away to the garden and balcony of the Skillogalee Winery Restaurant. It too offers wonderful views of the Skillogalee Valley.
At the turn of last century, the cottage, which now houses Skillogalee’s cellar door and restaurant, was also a family farm. In fact eighteen children were born there. Thirteen survived the rigors of early settlement and the Celtic name given to the valley by explorer John Horrocks points to the hardships and poor diet that many had to contend with.
“He ran into all sorts of problems including illness and injury and his party ran short of provisions and they survived,” explained David. “They got back to Penwortham where he was based by making a rather unappetising gruel called Skillogalee. And he named the creek that starts here and runs down the valley the Skillogalee Creek.”
The food these days is superb, focusing on local product like nearby Burra spring lamb which Di Palmer coats in a delicious crust of seeded mustard, parsley and garlic. Then it's straight out of the oven and onto the lunch setting overlooking the Skillogalee Valley.
The winery, restaurant and B&B are on Trevarrick Road. For details contact 8843 4311. Or visit www.postcards-sa.com.au/features/skillogalee.html for more detail.
