The story of False Cape Wines began in 1999, when Jamie and Julie Helyar planted the very first vines. The winery enjoyed its first vintage in 2003 and later opened the cellar door in December 2019 just prior to the Kangaroo Island bushfires. Since its creation, the cellar door has been the perfect location to enjoy stunning vineyard views and beautiful native gum trees along the picturesque Wilson River. The custom-built rustic charm of the recycled wood, jetty timbers, local limestone and wood fires all come together to create a cosy, warm and relaxed atmosphere for anyone who visits.

On the beautiful site you will find a huge deck and sprawling lawn space for summertime gatherings, including a nature play area and basketball court to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy some much-needed relaxation with a glass of wine. False Cape Wines offers delicious platters, homemade pies, a kid’s menu, summer salads and winter curries that complement the premium wines, all handcrafted by grapes grown on the False Cape vineyard.

False Cape Wines specialises in both white and red varieties thanks to the vineyard’s north-facing slopes, tera rossa soils and cool climate that combine to deliver great fruit quality. The cabernet sauvignon is the vineyard’s flagship wine and is not to be missed, taking out the Wine of the Year award at the Kangaroo Island Wine Awards. False Cape Wines’ other wines include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz, Fortified Shiraz, Rose and Tempranillo.

The winery recently planted Tempranillo, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the coolest part of the False Cape Wines vineyard, alongside the Willson River. The cool maritime climate provides ideal growing conditions for these varieties. Harvested for the first time in 2025, the DRIFT Tempranillo is a vibrant wine bursting with fresh red cherry fruit and has quickly become a cellar door favourite. False Cape Wines eagerly anticipates the release of its first Traditional-Method Sparkling Wine, crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Currently maturing on lees, it’s due for release in 2027 and will be an exciting new addition to the False Cape range