In 1998 Charlie and Julie Downer established Murdoch Hill behind the township of Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills. After studying oenology and touring the world's great wine regions, their son Michael came home to lead the winemaking in 2012.

Murdoch Hill's home vineyard grows on undulating slopes at over 500 metres elevation: the highest point in the district. But they also source fruit from other select patches of the Adelaide Hills, including Lobethal, Basket Range and the Piccadilly Valley. Michael Downer makes the wines in small batches, focused on making wines honest to their origins through wild yeasts, gentle techniques and limited additions.

Murdoch Hill's offering is led by The Rocket Chardonnay and The Apollo Pinot Noir. Other highlights include the Landau Syrah, Phaeton Pinot Noir and Tilbury Chardonnay, as well as the Surrey Pinot Meunier.