Exciting developments are underway at Skillogalee Estate with the construction of their brand-new Barrel House, due to open early next year. This new addition will support the estate to produce their exceptional wines and also provide a stunning space for visitors to enjoy stunning views over Clare Valley.
The Barrel House will replace an old storage shed that wasn’t suitable for barrel aging due to its materials, according to Skillogalee’s owner, Simon Clausen.
“This new building will serve a dual purpose, it will be used for barrel aging both our red and fortified wines, while also providing us with a new flexible hospitality venue,” he said.
This specialised environment will allow the estate’s wines to mature gracefully, developing rich flavours and complexity that reflect the unique characteristics of the terroir – the combination of factors including soil, climate, and sunlight that gives wine grapes their distinctive character.
“We currently age our wines in several locations across the estate, but as we continue our journey towards producing more premium, small-batch wines that truly reflect our estate’s unique terroir, we need additional space to accommodate this boutique winemaking process,” Simon said.
“A delightful side benefit of barrel aging is the rich, aromatic atmosphere it creates, something visitors to the Barrel House will no doubt appreciate.”
With each barrel carefully selected to enhance their varietals, this facility will ensure that every bottle captures the essence of Skillogalee.
In addition to its functional purpose, the Barrel House is designed to be a beautiful space for guests. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking views, the building will overlook the sprawling vineyards and picturesque hills that surround the estate.
“The main space is an open, high-ceilinged area of approximately 270m², designed to allow barrels to be stacked efficiently while remaining large and adaptable for other uses,” Simon said.
“We’ve also included a commercial kitchen, modern bathrooms, and a beautiful verandah offering sweeping views of our estate dam, vineyards, and the Skilly hills.
“Once completed, it’s likely to be the best-looking “farm” shed in the region!” he added
Visitors can expect a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying tastings and events while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.
The estate’s newest edition comes along with a sweep of changes for the venue, who recently appointed of SA chef Dan Moss as its new Executive Chef. He is well-known in the Clare Valley for his innovative approach to local cuisine, having previously maintained the highly successful Terroir Auburn with his wife, Annika Parish.
The Barrel House will open a temporary restaurant and tasting venue next year, as they undertake a complete refurbishment of their Clare Valley cellar door. Guests will experience a fresh take on the Skillogalee they know and love, in a stunning space that exudes sophisticated, understated barn-like charm.
The current Cellar Door is full of character and history but Simon believes the existing amenity doesn’t match the world class food and wine offerings.
So they’ve got plans to restore the stone building and demolish the existing extension.
“In 2025, we plan to undertake a meticulous restoration of our historic 170-year-old cellar door and restaurant. This restoration is essential to lovingly preserve the structure and ensure it thrives for at least another century,” Simon said.
“Rather than shutting down, the new Barrel House will allow us to continue business by temporarily shifting operations there, ensuring we retain our wonderful staff and continue welcoming guests daily.”
In its place will be a stunning extension, including a kitchen, dining space and breathable terrace space that embraces the iconic old olive tree.
“We will continue to operate a seven-day-a-week restaurant and wine tasting experience, albeit in a slightly different format from our current offering,” Simon says.
After the restoration of the historic cellar door and restaurant is finished, the Barrel House will continue to be used for barrel aging but will also provide a versatile venue for various events.
Simon and the team at Skillogalee plan to host events, weddings, corporate functions, and more at the future venue.
“While we receive many wedding inquiries, we’ve always adhered to a policy of not closing the restaurant for private events,” Simon said.
“With the Barrel House and our luxuriously restored homestead on the same site, we’ll be able to offer an event venue that can operate simultaneously with the restaurant, providing an experience unlike any other in the Clare Valley, and possibly the state.”
You can find Skillogalee Wines at 45 Trevarrick Road, Spring Gully.
Head to Skillogalee’s website here.
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