Founded in 1989 in Clarendon, South Australia, the winery is owned and run by Roman Bratasiuk, a biochemist and self-taught winemaker. Bratasiuk harvested his first vintage himself and did his own crush. For several years he continued making the wines by hand and holding down a day job before he was able in 1994 to quit his job as a scientist with the Australian government and devote himself fully to his winery. Known for his commitment to the traditions of French winemaking, Bratasiuk makes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. His most acclaimed wine is Astralis, a Syrah that inevitably wins acclaim. Clarendon Hills includes 200 acres planted to Grenache, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The average age of the vines is 75 years for the Grenache and Sauvignon.