With a background in pharmacy and medicine, owner and winemaker Justin Ardill saw an opportunity to indulge his passion for wine by purchasing a small parcel of 12 acres of vineyards in Watervale in 1993. Along with these vineyards, he and his wife Julie purchased a humble cottage to be their cellar door and winery on the main street of Mintaro known simply as Reilly’s Cottage. It is this building and its 1856 owner Hugh Reilly that inspired the wine label ‘Reillys Wines’. Mintaro's slate quarry first opened in 1854 and two years later was leased to stonemason Thompson Priest who worked the quarry very successfully. His residence was built circa 1856 along with the slate quarry Pay Office on Hill St, just behind Hugh Reilly's Cottage. Today Reilly's Cottage is home to Reillys Wines Cellar Door & Restaurant, while Thompson's Residence and Pay Office Cottage offer cosy B&B accommodation to visitors.

Reillys has four heritage B&B cottages each offering rustic country-style accommodation along with today's luxuries. Located behind our Cellar Door & Restaurant on Hill St, they are a short stroll from all of Mintaro's attractions and the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Clare Valley. Whether it be a family holiday, celebration with friends or a romantic getaway, there is a cottage that is perfect for your requirements. Generous cooked and continental breakfast provisions will be waiting in your room upon arrival including bread, bacon, eggs, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, cereals, milk, Nespresso coffee machine with pods (feel free to bring along your favourites!), tea, and juices. Firewood is included (winter months only) along with a complimentary bottle of Reillys wine. Minimum two nights stay. Staff are on site at our Cellar Door from 10am to 4pm daily - so during your visit, please let us know if there is anything that we can do to make your stay more enjoyable.

The charming township of Mintaro is located approximately 135km north of Adelaide and gives visitors a glimpse into the unique history of the Clare Valley. The entire township is heritage listed and features a wonderful display of buildings from the 19th century when the region was thriving following the discovery of copper in nearby Burra. Following the copper boom, Mintaro remained prosperous when a slate quarry was opened in the township. Many of the buildings in Mintaro, including those at Reillys were made from this durable and attractive stone. The quarry still operates today and the slate is used in the highest quality architecture and billiard tables.