Hamilton is one of the original Australian winemaking families. In 1837 Richard Hamilton founded the Hamilton Vineyards, just south of Adelaide in 1837. It was planted with stock brought by the family from South Africa, en route from England.

Five winemaking generations later, in 1972, Richard's great-great-grandson Dr Richard Hamilton established a small winery in McLaren Vale under the guidance of his father Burton, a noted viticulturist, and uncle, renowned vigneron, Sydney Hamilton.

Two years later, at the age of 76, Sydney bought land on the famous 'terra rossa' strip in Coonawarra and established 'Leconfield' to fulfil his life's ambition of growing and making a classic Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sydney retired in 1981 after 65 vintages and Dr Richard Hamilton purchased the company from him. Leconfield became the single winemaking facility for both the Richard Hamilton and Leconfield brands, securing the family connection to both Coonawarra and McLaren Vale.

Experienced Coonawarra winemaker Paul Gordon joined Leconfield in 2001. He and Assistant Winemaker Tim Bailey are the winemaking custodians of the Richard Hamilton and Leconfield labels.