Home About Rookery About Kangaroo Island KI wilderness KI environment Our wines Availability Awards Reviews News Contact us Order Online	Nature's vineyard Kangaroo Island is located 15 kms from the mainland of South Australia. The region was first charted in 1802 by French explorer Nicholas Baudin and settled in 1836 as the original capital of South Australia. The Rookery Vineyard, planted in early 2000, is nestled 8 km south of Nepean Bay and 10 km north of D'Estrees Bay. Rookery's exceptional fruit quality is attributable to the island's Mediterranean maritime climate and soil composition ideal for producing quality wine. Climate Mediterranean, maritime. Soil Rich red clay foundation, a band of limestone overlay, sandy topsoil.