Clare Valley Wine Travel Guide (South Australia, Australia)

The Clare Valley: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Nestled in South Australia, the Clare Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its world-class Rieslings and charming rural atmosphere. This cool-climate area offers visitors a blend of premium wines, stunning landscapes, and rich history.

Towns and Villages

The Clare Valley comprises several quaint towns and villages, each with its own unique character:

  • Auburn: The southern gateway to the region, known for its historic buildings and the starting point of the Riesling Trail.
  • Clare: The largest town and commercial hub, offering a range of amenities and attractions.
  • Sevenhill: Home to the oldest winery in the region, Sevenhill Cellars, established by Jesuits in 1851.
  • Watervale: Renowned for producing some of the valley’s finest Rieslings.
  • Mintaro: A National Trust town famous for its slate mining history and the grand Martindale Hall.

Wine Producers

The Clare Valley boasts over 50 cellar doors, many family-owned and operated. Some notable producers include:

  • Grosset Wines: Jeffrey Grosset’s winery is celebrated for its Polish Hill Riesling.
  • Jim Barry Wines: Known for The Armagh Shiraz and exceptional Rieslings.
  • Kilikanoon: Award-winning winery producing a range of varietals.
  • Pikes: Family-owned winery famous for its Rieslings and craft beer.
  • Taylors Wines: Large-scale producer with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Accommodations

Clare Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets:

  • Luxury: The Louise in Marananga provides high-end suites with vineyard views.
  • Boutique: Thorn Park by the Vines offers intimate, upscale lodging.
  • Mid-range: Clare Country Club features comfortable rooms and an on-site golf course.
  • Budget: Clare Valley Motel provides clean, affordable accommodation in the heart of Clare.
  • Unique: Stay in converted railway carriages at Watervale Retreat for a quirky experience.

Dining

The region’s culinary scene complements its wines beautifully. Here are some top dining spots:

  • Seed Winehouse + Kitchen (Clare): Modern Australian cuisine using local produce.
  • Terroir Auburn: Fine dining restaurant showcasing regional ingredients.
  • Skillogalee Wines & Restaurant: Offers lunch with breathtaking vineyard views.
  • Paulett Wines & Bush DeVine Café: Features native Australian ingredients in its menu.
  • Rising Sun Hotel (Auburn): Historic pub serving hearty meals and local wines.

Wine Shops & Bars

Clare Valley offers several specialty wine shops and bars for tasting and purchasing local wines:

  • Mr. Mick Cellar Door & Kitchen: A modern cellar door offering tastings and tapas-style dining.
  • Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre: A one-stop-shop for regional wine information and tastings.
  • Knappstein Enterprise Winery & Brewery: Unique combination of winery and craft brewery in Clare.
  • The Little Red Grape: Wine shop in Sevenhill featuring local wines and gourmet products.
  • Clare Valley Brewing Company: For those seeking a break from wine, this brewery offers craft beers and ciders.

Other Shops

Beyond wine, Clare Valley has charming shops offering local products and souvenirs:

  • Clare Valley Farmers Market: Held on Saturdays, featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods.
  • Mintaro Maze: Gift shop with unique souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Wild Saffron: Gourmet food store in Clare, perfect for picnic supplies.
  • Clare Valley Art Gallery: Showcases and sells works by local artists.
  • Paulett Wines Bush DeVine Winery Garden: Native food plants and products for sale.

Attractions

Clare Valley offers attractions that complement its wine culture:

  • Riesling Trail: 35km cycling and walking trail through picturesque vineyards.
  • Martindale Hall: Georgian-style mansion featured in the film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”.
  • Spring Gully Conservation Park: Scenic walks and native wildlife spotting.
  • Bungaree Station: Historic 1841 sheep station offering tours and accommodation.
  • Clare Valley Model Engineers: Miniature train rides, popular with families.

Events

The region hosts several wine-focused and cultural events throughout the year:

  • Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend: Annual food and wine festival held in May.
  • Auburn Grape, Grain & Graze Festival: Celebration of local produce in March.
  • Clare Valley Wine & Food Festival: Showcasing regional cuisine and wines in April.
  • Clare Valley Cruise: Classic car event held in November.
  • Burra Picnic Races: Historic horse racing event in September.

Appellations

Clare Valley is recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) within Australia’s wine system:

  • Clare Valley GI: Covers the entire wine-growing region, known for cool-climate wines.
  • Sub-regions: While not officially recognized, areas like Polish Hill River and Watervale are known for distinctive wine characteristics.
  • Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): Australia’s GI system is similar to Europe’s PDO, ensuring wine authenticity.
  • Altitude: Vineyards range from 400-500 meters, contributing to the region’s cool climate.
  • Soil types: Vary from red brown terra rossa to grey-brown loams, influencing wine styles.

Grape Varieties

Clare Valley is renowned for its Riesling, often described as the finest in Australia. The region’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils produce wines with intense citrus flavors and high acidity.

Other key varieties include:

  • Shiraz: Full-bodied reds with pepper and dark fruit notes
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Elegant wines with blackcurrant and mint characteristics
  • Chardonnay: Crisp, citrusy whites with subtle oak influence
  • Semillon: Lemon-lime flavored wines, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc

Main Wine Styles

Clare Valley’s signature style is dry Riesling, known for its lime and floral aromas, crisp acidity, and long aging potential. These wines are typically unoaked to preserve their pure fruit expression.

Other notable styles include:

  • Full-bodied Shiraz: Rich, spicy reds with dark fruit flavors
  • Elegant Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium to full-bodied reds with fine tannins
  • Crisp Chardonnay: Refreshing whites with citrus and stone fruit notes

Food Specialties

Clare Valley’s cuisine showcases local produce and pairs well with the region’s wines. Popular dishes include:

  • Saltbush lamb: Tender meat with a unique flavor, perfect with Shiraz
  • Freshwater crayfish: Delicate shellfish that complements Riesling
  • Local cheese platters: Featuring artisanal cheeses from nearby producers
  • Wood-fired pizzas: Often topped with regional ingredients, pairing well with various wines

Drives & Walks

Explore Clare Valley’s picturesque landscape through scenic drives and walks. The Riesling Trail is a 35km track following an old railway line, perfect for cycling or walking between wineries.

Other notable routes include:

  • Spring Gully Conservation Park: Offers bush walks with native wildlife sightings
  • Clare Valley Scenic Drive: A 19km route showcasing the region’s rolling hills and vineyards
  • Mintaro Heritage Walk: A self-guided tour of the historic slate mining town

Itineraries

Weekend Wine Escape

  • Day 1: Visit Sevenhill Cellars and Pikes Wines, lunch at Skilllogalee Winery
  • Day 2: Cycle the Riesling Trail, stopping at Paulett Wines and Kilikanoon Winery

Food and Wine Week

  • Day 1-2: Explore Clare’s wineries, focusing on Riesling producers
  • Day 3: Take a cooking class using local ingredients
  • Day 4-5: Visit surrounding towns like Auburn and Mintaro, sampling regional specialties
  • Day 6-7: Relax at a local spa, enjoy final winery visits and gourmet dining experiences

Getting There & Around

Clare Valley is located about 140km north of Adelaide. The most convenient way to reach the region is by car.

  • By car: Take the A1 highway north from Adelaide, then turn onto B82
  • By bus: YP Coaches offers services from Adelaide to Clare
  • Car rental: Available at Adelaide Airport for self-drive options

Once in Clare Valley, a car is essential for exploring wineries and towns. Some accommodations offer bicycle rentals for short trips.

Best Time to Visit

Clare Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. The best times to visit are:

  • Spring (September-November): Mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities
  • Autumn (March-May): Harvest season, with pleasant temperatures and colorful vineyards

Summer (December-February) can be hot, while winter (June-August) is cool and ideal for cozy winery visits.

Sustainability Efforts

Clare Valley wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. Look out for:

  • Organic vineyards: Several producers use organic farming methods
  • Water conservation: Many wineries employ drought-resistant techniques
  • Solar power: An increasing number of estates use renewable energy

Ask winery staff about their specific sustainability initiatives during your visits.

Language Tips

English is the primary language in Clare Valley. Some wine-related terms to know:

  • Cellar door: Tasting room at a winery
  • Platter: A selection of local cheeses and meats, often served at wineries
  • Bottle shop: Liquor store for purchasing wine

Further Resources

For more information on Clare Valley wine and tourism, consult these resources:

Consider downloading the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association’s app for up-to-date information on cellar doors and events.