Clare Valley

Rolling vineyards, historic stone towns, and some of Australia’s finest rieslings define the Clare Valley, a wine lover’s haven just 90 minutes north of Adelaide. This is South Australia’s most scenic wine region, where cellar doors sit among eucalypt forests and the air smells of fresh herbs and sun-warmed earth. The valley is compact enough to explore in a day, but you’ll want longer to soak up its relaxed pace, cycle the Riesling Trail, and uncover stories from the copper-mining era that built towns like Mintaro and Burra.

Highlights & What to See

• Riesling Trail: A 35-km rail-trail perfect for cycling or walking, linking cellar doors, cafes, and villages from Auburn to Clare. Rent a bike and pedal through vineyards and remnant bushland.
• Cellar doors and tastings: The Clare Valley is famous for its riesling, but also excels in shiraz and cabernet. Don’t miss Grosset, Tim Adams, and Wendouree for benchmark drops.
• Mintaro and Martindale Hall: Wander the charming slate-stone village of Mintaro, then step inside Martindale Hall, a Georgian mansion used as a film set for Picnic at Hanging Rock.
• Burra: A historic copper-mining town with remarkably preserved heritage sites, including the Monster Mine, Burra Creek, and the old gaol.
• Skillogalee Winery & Restaurant: A hillside winery with a stunning terrace, known for its riesling and modern Australian dishes paired with valley views.
• Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend: If you time it right (May), this annual festival celebrates local food, wine, and art with events across the region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal to explore the valley at a leisurely pace. Spend your first day cycling the northern half of the Riesling Trail, visiting cellar doors and grabbing lunch in Clare. On day two, explore the southern villages—Auburn, Watervale, and Mintaro—and book a tasting at a historic winery. If you have a third day, head to Burra for a half-day of heritage sightseeing. A single day is doable as a quick tour from Adelaide, but you’ll miss the unhurried charm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Adelaide: Start your trip in the capital, exploring its vibrant food markets and cultural precincts before heading north.
• Barossa Valley: Australia’s most famous wine region is just an hour’s drive south—contrast Clare’s rieslings with Barossa’s shiraz.
• Flinders Ranges: For an epic outback adventure, continue north from Clare to the rugged landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (about 3 hours’ drive).
• McLaren Vale: On your way back toward Adelaide, detour south to McLaren Vale for coastal views, boutique wineries, and excellent food.
• Kangaroo Island: While further afield, a ferry from Cape Jervis makes a rewarding extension for wildlife and wilderness.

Please check official sources for current details.