"Clear varietal character in the small red berry fruit spectrum, rather than earthy/olive; light-to-medium-bodied, finishing with fine tannins. Nicely pitched"
90 points - James Halliday Wine Companion 2008

The modern day story of Killara Estate begins with the Palazzo family who had emigrated from Italy in 1966, spending the first years farming in NSW. Moving to Victoria with their young family, they purchased the 1200 acre Killara Park property on the banks of the Yarra River at Seville East. Originally the home of black Angus cattle, the family winemaking tradition came through and just on 100 acres of vines were planted in the mid 1980’s Predominantly planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, other varieties were added, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. The Killara property became one of the largest private growers in the valley, with the grapes being sold to other companies with Yarra Valley properties.

The Killara Estate label first appeared on the wines for the 2001 vintage and sales to retail stores in Melbourne were encouraging right from the start. For the 2003 vintage, Michael Kyberd was appointed winemaker and his influence was immediate with the 2003 Killara Pinot winning its first gold medal.

Changes in the Vineyard included the planting of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Grogio.

Killara Estate wines are all 100% estate grown on the families Kylie Lane Vineyard.

Racers and Rascals is a new range of wines made originally for the British export market and now equally popular in Australia. The “unusual” name and modern label actually come from the book of the same name which is the history of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Victoria. This excellent publication contains the details and photos of sprint races in the mid 1940’s held around the grounds of the Killara property. Made without the influence of new oak, these wines are for those who enjoy the fresh “fruit driven” easy drinking style which is so popular today. As with the Killara range, all fruit comes from our own property.

Originally called Northridge, the Sunnyside Vineyard is situated on the corner of Warburton Highway and Sunnyside Road and, being adjacent to the Killara property was purchased by the Palazzo family early in 2006. This brings the total holdings of “Killara” to just on 240 acres. The Highway location proved to be perfect for the Cellar Door which became operative mid year 2007. The view is surely one of the best in the Yarra Valley as you overlook 80 acres of lush vines surrounded by the beautiful nearby mountains.