Clonakilla — Attraction in Murrumbateman

I had the pleasure of visiting Clonakilla Winery in Murrumbateman yesterday to celebrate my birthday, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark the occasion! As someone who doesn't know much about wine, I was a bit hesitant at first, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I'm so glad I did!

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the overall presentation and cleanliness of the winery. The ambience was warm and welcoming, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing day trip. The scenic views of the vineyard added to the charm and made for a lovely backdrop.

The service I received was exceptional. I regret not catching the name of the staff member who assisted me, but he was absolutely brilliant. He took the time to explain the different wines, answered all my questions, and truly engaged with me throughout the tasting. His enthusiasm and knowledge made me feel comfortable, even as a self-confessed wine novice. Unlike other winery tours I’ve experienced, which sometimes felt a bit pretentious, the vibe here was friendly and down-to-earth.

Overall, my experience at Clonakilla Winery exceeded my expectations. I left feeling not only more knowledgeable about wine, but also with a newfound appreciation for it. I hope to return in the future, perhaps with friends or family, to share this gem of a place. If you're looking for a winery that offers great service in a beautiful setting, I highly recommend Clonakilla Winery. Cheers to...

Clonakilla is a clear standout in the Canberra region. Be sure to book a tasting at this winery the cellar door as it gets popular, for good reason. There’s high quality wines on offer. The tasting is free and staff here are well prepared, they provide you with an enjoyable experience and you are sure to purchase some of their great wine. All of the wine we tried at Clonakilla was stunning. Known for their reds, we also thought the whites were quite exceptional. Their Reisling is quite sweet with oily mouth feel. The Chardonnay was one of our favourites, on the nose it is buttered toast and the flavour very nutty and toasty. Their Voigneir was quite floral and sweet. Their Hilltop shiraz was another favourite, floral with winter berries and certainly is great value. Their world renowned Shiraz Voigner is a delicious wine, complex sweet and savoury with a nice earthiness.

The winery itself is also stunning. The space is large and has a lovely outlook on the vine clad hills. As you sit inside, you’re surrounded by local stone, reclaimed timbers, wine barrels and a large central fireplace. It’s homely, comfortable and a top place to add...

What a disappointing experience we endured at Clonakilla last weekend. We entered the cellar door with much enthusiasm as we know some of the wines are great. But that’s where the enthusiasm stopped. The four of us were shown to a table in a room of which maybe only four other small groups were present. Twenty minutes goes by before we are asked if we would like to taste some wine to which we said yes. Another 20 minutes goes by until our first tasting was brought to our table. After an explanation regarding the wine was given we were left alone for another 20 minutes until we were served again. This 20 minute window kept happening throughout our time at Clonakilla. Had the place been busy with limited staff you could understand the timing, but it wasn’t busy and there were 4 or 5 staff on deck. It really was one of the worst experiences we have endured at a winery. To the point we left without sampling all the wines on offer. Unfortunately this seems common practice at Clonakilla upon reading previous reviews by other people. Such a...