If you've used the Federal Highway as your way in, you can escape along the Barton Highway via Murrumbateman, though one notes it's rated Australia's most dangerous highway. The turnoff to Clonakilla comes just before you hit the town of Murrumbateman (assuming you're heading out from Canberra), while the turn for Helm lies just past the northern outskirts, though you can skirt round the back-blocks between them.
Clonakilla is the largest of the four wineries we visited, and is also the oldest, dating back to 1971. You're probably looking for the Shiraz Viognier if they've any on hand, though the Syrah and Viognier are also highly rated and they do a rather pleasant Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Their Hilltops Shiraz ain't too shabby either.
But if I had to pick a favourite out of the four, it would have to be Helm, largely due to a charming cellar door in the old Toual School House, a friendly Border Collie named Matilda and a speciality in the Riesling department. Ken Helm kicked off the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and you can't go wrong with their entry-level Classic Dry Riesling, though the Sauvignon Blanc is definitely worth a look and the reds are rather tasty as well.
