Clare Valley

Clare Valley is one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, a serene patchwork of rolling vine-covered hills, historic stone towns and cellar doors that pour some of the country's finest Rieslings. Just two hours north of Adelaide, this valley rewards travellers with a relaxed, unhurried pace and a palpable sense of place — where the rhythm of the seasons is measured in the turning of vine leaves and the clink of tasting glasses.

Highlights & What to See

• Riesling Trail: A 35-km sealed path linking Auburn to Clare, perfect for cycling or walking past vineyards, old railway sidings and through bushland. Hire a bike and stop at cellar doors along the way.
• Sevenhill Cellars: The region's oldest winery, founded by Jesuits in 1851. Its underground cellar and historic church are as fascinating as the wines.
• Martindale Hall: A grand Georgian-style mansion near Mintaro, built in 1879. Its period rooms and gardens offer a glimpse into colonial wealth (you may recognise it from Picnic at Hanging Rock).
• Clare Valley Wine & Food Trail: Over 30 cellar doors, many family-run. Don't miss Skillogalee for its garden setting or Paulett Wines for valley views.
• Burra Historic Mine Sites: A short drive north, the copper-mining ghost town of Burra preserves a fascinating mining heritage with self-guided tours.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal for Clare Valley — enough to cycle the Riesling Trail, visit a handful of cellar doors, explore the historic towns of Clare and Mintaro, and perhaps squeeze in a side trip to Burra. If you're combining it with a broader South Australian road trip, one full day and an overnight will let you taste the highlights without feeling rushed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Barossa Valley: Australia's most famous wine region, just 45 minutes south, with big reds and gourmet food.
• Flinders Ranges: Dramatic outback landscapes and wildlife, about two hours north — a brilliant contrast to the valley's green vineyards.
• Adelaide Hills: Cool-climate wine region and charming villages like Hahndorf, under two hours south.
• Yorke Peninsula: Coastal escapes, fishing towns and national parks, about 90 minutes west.

Please check official sources for current details.