In 1856, Hugh Reilly a shoemaker from Ireland, arrived in the tiny township of Mintaro. Over the next 10 years, Hugh converted a stone barn into Reilly's Cottage which served as the local Cobbler's Shop in the bustling town, which had boomed with the discovery of slate in the area.

Almost 140 years later, the cottage was purchased by distant relatives of Hugh, Justin and Julie Ardill, who worked tirelessly to restore it to its former glory. Being passionate about wine, Justin began creating his own wines using premium Watervale fruit and the first vintage in 1994 was crushed and basket pressed by hand on the veranda of Reillys Cottage.

Today, Justin still creates Reillys wines in the winery, which is just down the road at Leasingham, and Reillys Cottage serves as the cellar door with restaurant, B&B accommodation and vineyard walk.