Skillogalee sold to tech tycoon Simon Clausen

A tycoon who was raised in Adelaide and went on to become one of the country’s best-known tech investors has taken over Clare Valley’s Skillogalee winery.

Skillogalee at Sevenhill. Picture: John Bowden

A tech tycoon who has invested in luxury properties around the world has splashed his cash on one of Clare Valley’s most popular wineries.

Adelaide-raised Simon Clausen has taken over the multi-award-winning Skillogalee, which has attracted global acclaim for its riesling and other white wine varieties.

Mr Clausen, now based outside Geneva in Switzerland, is planning a major investment in the property at Sevenhill, to “continue growing Skillogalee into a world-class destination which is known for both its wines and its restaurant”.

The Skillogalee vineyards. Picture: John Bowden

He said he was also exploring the opportunity to develop additional accommodation at the property.

“I have a lot of ideas for Skillogalee and plan to invest substantially in the property over the coming years,” he said.

“Most importantly however, it’s about respecting the amazing business that Diana and Dave Palmer have created over the last 30 years, and my first task is really getting to understand the current business before making any big changes.

“There is a lot of excitement and investment going on in the Clare Valley, and I am looking forward to playing whatever small part I can in that through Skillogalee.”

Tech investor Simon Clausen

Mr Clausen is one of the country’s best-known technology investors, and currently runs Startive Ventures, which invests in technology start-ups around the world.

He relocated from Adelaide where he worked in a computer repair shop to Sydney in the late 1990s, and later launched PC Tools with business partner Peter McKow.

In 2008, after the company had evolved into an anti-spyware software developer and taken on James Packer as a $20m cornerstone investor, the pair sold it to US software giant Symantec for more than $300m.

In the year after, Mr Clausen went on a luxury property spending spree, paying $US13.1m for a four-bedroom condo in Trump International Hotel and Tower opposite Central Park in New York, and snapping up heritage-listed Almora House in Sydney’s up-market Mosman, which he later sold for $12.9m in 2019.

Skillogalee is his first investment in the wine sector.

Growing up “within a stone’s throw” of Penfolds Magill Estate, Mr Clausen spent most weekends as a teenager at a family property in Clare.

The Skillogalee property in Sevenhill. Picture: John Bowden

He said the region formed “vivid parts of those early memories”.

“For a long time I’ve been looking for a project that can have a positive impact on the natural environment by improving the land through sustainability and native regeneration,” Mr Clausen said.

“Given my love for all things wine and food, and my connection to South Australia, Skillogalee was a perfect opportunity to combine those passions.

“My goal through Skillogalee will be to continue to show that Australia makes some beautiful and unique premium estate wines from family-owned vineyards that aren’t mass-produced, nor do they have to come with a Grange-like price-tag.”

Dave Palmer inspects the grapes at Skillogalee. Picture: John Bowden

The 124.2ha winery and vineyard has been developed into a world-class tourism and food and wine experience by Dave and Diana Palmer, who have owned it since 1989.

They will stay on during a transition period before heading into retirement.

A poll last August ranked Skillogalee as the state’s favourite winery in the Clare Valley and third across all South Australian regions.

Its sale, which includes the winery, brand, award-winning restaurant, cellar door, manager’s house and three bed and breakfast properties, was brokered by Ray White Rural’s Daniel Schell and Nedd Golding.

Skillogalee in Sevenhill. Picture: John Bowden

Originally published as Skillogalee sold to tech tycoon Simon Clausen