The Story of Kilikanoon
EST. 1997, Clare Valley
Founded in 1997,
in the historic village of Penwortham, Kilikanoon has built an international reputation for distinctive wines that express the character of their vineyards and the Clare Valley.
Founded by winemaker Kevin Mitchell, with the influence and knowledge of his father, Mort, Kilikanoon began with four wines: The Oracle Shiraz, The Prodigal Grenache, Blocks Road Cabernet and Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling. The original vision was simple: make exceptional wines that reflect the land they come from.
Today, that vision continues through a diverse collection of vineyards, from the historic Attunga Vineyard, planted in 1865, to Mort’s Block, planted in 1973, and other significant sites dating back to 1920 and 1946. These old vines, combined with varied elevations, soils and microclimates, give Kilikanoon an exceptional foundation for producing wines of depth, character and longevity.
Our approach brings traditional winemaking techniques together with considered innovation. Each vineyard and variety is given the opportunity to express its individual character, with blending used where it adds complexity, balance and depth. From Riesling and Grenache to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, our portfolio spans vibrant regional expressions through to concentrated, rare old-vine wines.
With vineyards ranging from approximately 220 to more than 600 metres above sea level, the Clare Valley’s warm days and cool nights help preserve freshness while allowing flavours to develop.
Recognised by leading critics and international wine competitions, Kilikanoon remains committed to quality, sustainable viticulture and wines with a strong sense of place - built on decades of experience and made to evolve beautifully with age.
WHERE IT BEGAN
Founded by Kevin Mitchell, with the influence and knowledge of his father, Mort, Kilikanoon began with a clear vision: to make exceptional wines that express the character of the Clare Valley. Click below to hear the origin story directly from our founders
Our Philosophy
At Kilikanoon, great wines begin in the vineyard. Our approach draws on decades of Clare Valley knowledge, exceptional old vines and an understanding of the region’s diverse soils, elevations and microclimates.
Our winemaking combines traditional techniques with considered innovation, embracing technology where it enhances the craft without losing sight of heritage and tradition. Each vineyard and variety is given the opportunity to express its individual character, while thoughtful blending brings added complexity, balance and depth.
From expressive regional wines to distinctive old-vine releases, our portfolio reflects the diversity of the Clare Valley and our uncompromising commitment to quality.
Our Geography
The Clare Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions, three parallel valleys defined by unique soils, altitudes, and climates.
The diverse landscapes, soils and microclimates create the conditions for wines of distinctive character and complexity. Elevations range from around 220 to more than 600 metres, with warm days and cool nights contributing to a long ripening season and natural freshness.
Kilikanoon draws on a diverse collection of vineyard sites, from the historic Golden Hillside vineyards and Mort’s Block to the ancient vines of Attunga and the cooler reaches of Skilly Valley. Each site brings its own character to our wines, shaped by its soils, aspect, elevation and climate.
Together, these vineyards give us the depth and diversity to craft wines that express both the character of their individual sites and the broader identity of the Clare Valley.
At its southern end lies Kilikanoon’s Golden Hillside vineyards, Mort’s Block, Covenant, Walton’s, and Attunga, with the Tregea Vineyard nearby in the cooler Skilly Valley, beside our historic Cellar Door.