Clare Valley

The Clare Valley is considered one of the most picturesque wine regions in South Australia, and with ample vineyards and cosy cellar doors, it's easy to see why.

Less than two hours from Adelaide, the region boasts more than 40 cellar doors, most within 20 kilometres of the main town of Clare. Several are accessible from the Riesling Trail, a 25km walking and cycling track linking Clare and Auburn. The old railway line winds through some of South Australia's most stunning wine country and natural bushland.

While the Clare Valley is known globally for its Rieslings, the quality of both the red and white grapes now grown in the region is a tribute to the age-old winemaking traditions adopted and perfected in this small pocket of temperate mid-north South Australia.

In addition to the Riesling other varieties grown in the Clare Valley include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillion and Chardonnay. Smaller plantings include Grenache, Malbec and Sangiovese.

Visit Quelltaler Estate, home to the award winning Annie's Lane range of wines, comprising of Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz. Located at the southern entrance to the Clare Valley, the winery has a wine museum and extensive picnic areas to explore.

Take the opportunity to dine on local cuisine and enjoy tastings of their premium wines in Skillogalee's delightful 140-year-old stone settler's cottage, nestled among the green, wooded hills of the Skillogalee Valley.

Wine tasting is a spiritual experience at Clare Valley's oldest winery, Sevenhill Cellars. Founded by Jesuits in 1851, the Sevenhill cellar door boasts the motto 'Life is too short to drink bad wine' and today produces award-winning white, red and fortified wines as well as sacramental wine. See the church and crypt, college, cemetery and fascinating underground cellars.