The Ultimate Clare Valley Itinerary
28 SEP 2023
Welcome to the Clare Valley
Delight in some of the world’s best riesling offers as you cycle through picturesque valleys, awe at the magenta veins that run through the earth at Lake Bumbunga before treating yourself to a little more luxury with a stay at a character cottage. Sound like your kind of weekender? Located less than two hours from the Adelaide CBD, the Clare Valley is South Australia’s hidden gem. From postcard perfect scenery to a tantalising tasting journey, the Clare Valley is an unforgettable – yet incredibly accessible – South Australian destination.
WHAT TO DO
Cycle The Riesling Trail
Spanning the 35 kilometres between Clare and Auburn, and about two hours drive from Adelaide, cyclists consider the Riesling Trail to be one of the best bike trails near Adelaide. No bicycle? No problem. Bike hire is available at a variety of locations along the trail. And while balancing wine bottles on a bicycle isn’t recommended, cellar door purchases can be shipped to your accommodation in the Clare Valley or to your home. You’ll need a minimum of two and a half hours to cycle The Riesling Trail, but factor in extra time to truly enjoy this stretch of countryside and cellar door hospitality along the way.
Ready to pump those legs? Read our in-depth, stop by stop guide for visitors hoping to cycle the Riesling Trail.
Interactive wine making at Knappstein Wines
Ready to roll your sleeves up for the perfect drop? This hands on experience will see all of your senses engaged as you work with the cellar door team, learning how to blend wine. You will come to truly understand why wine making is an art form - as you get creative with your very own signature red blend. The 45 minute master class, held inside the original Enterprise Brewing building that dates back to 1878, also includes a full tasting of the winery's previously blended offerings and a welcome glass of riesling.
Where to eat
Terrior Auburn
Mix avant-garde cuisine with rustic charm at Terroir Auburn, just a 20-minute drive from the town of Clare. The team at Terroir Auburn pride themselves on sourcing as much local produce as humanly possible, with a strong focus on seasonality and a weekly changing menu.
Skillogalee
Enjoy a taste of spring dining while taking in the sweeping landscape views from the terrace of a historic settler's cottage. Skillogalee cellar door and restaurant overlook lush gardens and offer an à la carte menu focusing on prime local produce that you can pair with some of the best riesling in all of Australia.
Watervale Hotel
Recently renovated and located in the heart of the Clare Valley, the Watervale Hotel is becoming one of the most exciting Food and Wine experience destinations within a hotel in Australia. Raking in awards such as the Best Tourism Restaurant in South Australia and Best South Australian Restaurant in a Pub/Club, a visit to the Clare isn't complete without stopping by. With all day dining, you can enjoy a range of dining options including a six course degustation, two shared plate feats and an a la carte menu.
Cellar Doors
Sevenhill Cellars
The Clare Valley is home to some of the oldest wineries and cellar doors in the state - the oldest being Sevenhill Cellars, which was established in 1851 by Jesuits priests. They planted the first grape vines in order to make sacramental wine. Sevenhill’s wine and history - including a tour of their underground cellars and crypt - make it a favourite with locals.
Good Catholic Girl
Winemaker Julie Barry struck out from the family business to establish this noteworthy drinking destination with a historical twist. Julie spent years studying the art of wine making while working for her parents famous company - Jim Barry Wines - before stepping out on her own in the wake of her father's death. The name, while seemingly pointing to her godly drop, is actually a nod to her grandmother Dorothy Douglas Wilson. Julie calls her a quintessential "good catholic girl" who has a heartbreaking link to World War I. Julie established Good Catholic Girl using the cuttings from her father's famous Armagh shiraz vineyard, with her first release timing divinely - the grapes picked on the day Pope John Paul 11 died. Just like church, Good Catholic Girl has certain days for worship - welcoming visitors to the cellar door in Sevenhill on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Nobody
If you are looking for a taste of something different while exploring the Clare Valley, then you can't go past this quirky cellar door. The little sister to Shut The Gate Wines, the team launched this rustic and retro cellar in 2021 to showcase a range of punchy liqueurs and small batch fortified wines. A new discovery for the younger generation and a nostalgic sensual journey for those older at heart - Mr Nobody is Mr out of the ordinary.
Mr Mick's
Conveniently located alongside the Riesling Trail, Mr Mick Cellar Door and Kitchen is a place where Wine and Food come together. Named after the late Australian winemaking legend, K.H. Knappstein (AKA Mr Mick), winemakers Tim Adams and Brett Schutz continue Mr. Mick’s philosophy of producing “affordable wines for everyone to enjoy”. Indulge in a wine tasting with new and traditional styles of wine complete with tapas style dining in the Mr. Mick Kitchen.
Paulett Wines
Experience wines of finesse, elegance and intensity while marvelling at the views from the Paulett Wines cellar door. Nestled amid the rolling hills on the south side of the Polish Hill River, soak up the delightful flavours from winemaker Neil Paulett’s wines - including their take on riesling which has uniquely been made into four different styles. Also on offer are a sparkling red, semillon, chardonnay, cabernet merlot, botrytis riesling and a stunning shiraz.
WHAT TO SEE
Lake Bumbunga
One hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga is the perfect first stop on your Clare Valley experience. Located in Lochiel, the lake has beckoned Instagram savvy holiday makers and fashion designers alike to its shores – thanks to its famous kaleidoscope of colours. The lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year. Stop the car, snap some shots, then hit the road for the Clare Valley.
Martindale Hall
The historic town of Mintaro's crowning glory is the Martindale Hall. A short 20 minute drive from Clare, the hall is one of the prettiest country mansions in Australia, presenting as a miniature version of Britain’s Chatsworth House.
Studio Meadows
Clare Valley has a small but thriving arts and culture scene – with many artists flocking to the region to be inspired by the undulating hills and ever-changing natural environment. Studio Meadows encapsulates this inspiration – housing the works of award-winning artist Christopher Meadows. Wonder the gallery and admire his representational and traditional pieces that are informed by the world – and the landscape – around him, including the vines just outside his gallery door. Complete your visit with a stop off at Stone Bridge Wines, which is a stone’s throw away (literally!).
WHERE TO STAY
Bukirk Glamping Clare Valley
Get in touch with your surroundings by renting one of the five luxury bell tents on offer at Bukirk Glamping. Each tent is kitted out with a combination of queen, king and twin single beds for those that want to reconnect with the earth – without actually having to sleep on it. For those that fear the midnight dash to the nearest bush when nature calls, each tent has a private en-suite to upscale the camping experience. If glamping still has too much camping involved, you can opt for one of their rustic tiny houses, or ‘fancy coops,’ that come equipped with a kitchen, TV and dining area, but retain a natural feel thanks to the exposed beams, corrugated iron cladding and western cedar weatherboards.
Bed In A Shed
Need we say more? It’s all in the name. This curious and quirky respite nestled in the heart of the Clare Valley wine region offers travellers all the modern conveniences of a hotel – but packaged up with four walls of corrugated iron. Who would have thought you could have a sound night’s sleep on a posturepedic Bed in a Shed? The best part about this shed-chic property is the view – you can sip your morning coffee while overlooking the neatly rowed vineyards on your front door step.
Trestrail Cottage
Trestrail Cottage is the perfect blend of untouched nature, creature comforts and a splash of wine. The cosy settler's style cottage is tucked away on 100 acres of private bush land and just a stone's throw from the world famous vines of the Clare Valley. Check in and spend your days bush walking, wine tasting and dining before retreating to the open wood fire with a glass of riesling.
Slow Cabin
Good things come in small packages, and that couldn't be more true at this off-grid oasis. Perched on the edge of a vineyard, Slow Cabin is an eco-friendly tiny home that prioritises connection over distraction. Leave your phone on do-not-disturb and spend a weekend taking in your natural surrounds or trying the local produce at nearby cellar doors.
