What is the Clare Valley known for?
The Clare Valley, about two hours north of Adelaide, is one of Australia's best-known regions for Riesling. Its cool nights and warm days produce crisp, dry white wines.
European settlers arrived in the 1840s, and vineyards soon followed. Sevenhill Cellars, founded by Jesuit priests in 1851, is the oldest winery in the valley and still makes altar wine.
The valley has around 40 cellar doors. Besides Riesling, it produces Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Riesling Trail
The Riesling Trail is a walking and cycling path built along a disused railway line. It runs about 33 kilometres between Auburn and Barinia, passing vineyards and cellar doors.
Historic towns such as Mintaro and Auburn have stone cottages and gardens. Martindale Hall, a grand Georgian house near Mintaro, appeared in the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is held each May.
The region's cool, high valley floor sits around 400 to 500 metres above sea level, which helps keep its wines fresh and its nights cool even in summer.
Did You Know?
Many Clare Valley winemakers use screw caps, and the region led Australia's switch away from corks in 2000.