The vineyard was established by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer who became interested in wine in the early 1970’s and spent the next ten years travelling to wine-growing areas overseas learning as much as possible. After returning to Australia in 1980 to take up a position as assistant winemaker at Brown Brothers Milawa, he purchased land near the old Everton Hills Vineyard, and in 1982 commenced planting the classic varieties Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small amount of Pinot Noir which was followed in 1986 by another acre.

In the last five years further plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have occurred, with a small amount of Roussanne. Total area under vines in the original vineyard is now 3ha. Recent plantings have added a further 3ha.

The wines are hand-crafted; in the case of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir using traditional Burgundian methods, and the Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc according to classical Bordeaux techniques including long maceration. Only top quality French oak is employed. The first release of Giaconda wines was in 1987 with the 1986 Chardonnay and the 1985 Cabernet blend. Total production has been around 1000 dozen. This will now increase due to the recent plantings to approximately 2000 – 2500 dozen. As this is still a tiny amount, and the wines from Giaconda are among the most highly sought-after in Australia, these wines are, of course, extremely limited.