Sevenhill Cellars

In the heart of South Australia's Clare Valley, Sevenhill Cellars is Australia's oldest winery still in operation, founded by Jesuit priests in 1851. This historic estate offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage and winemaking tradition, set among rolling vineyards and stone buildings that exude old-world charm. The cellar door, housed in a 19th-century monastery, pours acclaimed rieslings, shiraz, and fortified wines — many made from grapes grown on the estate's own vines. Beyond the tasting room, you can explore the St Aloysius Church, a stunning Gothic Revival chapel, and the underground cellars where wines mature in ancient barrels. It's a place where the sacred and the sensory meet, offering a genuinely meditative wine experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar Door Tastings: Sample the estate's signature Clare Valley riesling and shiraz, often with a side of local cheese and olive oil, in a candlelit room that feels like a time capsule.
• St Aloysius Church: A beautiful stone church with intricate stained glass and a crypt containing the remains of early Jesuit settlers — a poignant slice of local history.
• Underground Cellars: Join a guided tour to see the original limestone tunnels where wines are aged, and learn about the Jesuits' pioneering viticulture.
• Historic Buildings: Wander the grounds to see the original monastery, stables, and a 19th-century press house, all set against the backdrop of the vine-covered valley.
• Fortified Wines: Don't miss the museum-release tawny and vintage ports — they're a sweet, complex finish to any tasting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed tasting and a stroll around the grounds. If you take the cellar tour and explore the church, budget 3 hours. Combine with lunch (the estate has picnic areas or you can drive 10 minutes to the town of Clare for a meal) to make a leisurely half-day outing. For a self-drive itinerary, Sevenhill makes a perfect morning stop before heading to other Clare Valley wineries in the afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clare (10 minutes north): The region's main town, with cafes, galleries, and the Clare Valley Wine & Visitor Centre.
• Riesling Trail: A 35-km cycling and walking path that passes right by Sevenhill; rent a bike in Clare and pedal through vineyards.
• Mintaro (15 minutes south): A historic slate village with the Mintaro Maze and the famous Martindale Hall (a grand mansion used in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock).
• Burra (40 minutes east): A well-preserved copper-mining town with heritage sites like the Monster Mine and the Burra Heritage Passport.
• Clare Valley Wine Region: Explore other cellar doors such as Grosset, Wendouree, and Jim Barry Wines for a full day of tasting.

Please check official sources for current details.