Clare Valley

Overview

The Clare Valley is one of Australia's most picturesque and historically significant wine regions. Nestled in the rolling hills of South Australia's Mid North, roughly two hours north of Adelaide, the valley was first planted by Jesuit priests in 1851. Sevenhill Cellars, established by the Society of Jesus, remains the region's oldest winery and still produces sacramental wine today, a living link to the valley's deep spiritual and agricultural roots.

While the Clare Valley produces outstanding Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is Riesling that has made the region famous around the world. Jeffrey Grosset of Grosset Wines is widely regarded as Australia's foremost Riesling maker, and his Polish Hill and Springvale bottlings are considered benchmarks of the variety, displaying piercing lime acidity, slate-like minerality, and extraordinary aging potential. The region's cool nights, warm days, and low rainfall create near-perfect conditions for this noble white grape.

The Clare Valley is also a joy to explore. The famous Riesling Trail winds through the valley, connecting historic towns like Auburn, Clare, and Watervale, and offering cyclists and walkers access to cellar doors, craft breweries, and local produce. With its combination of natural beauty, deeply rooted winemaking families, and world-class wines, the Clare Valley offers one of Australia's most complete and rewarding wine tourism experiences.

Key Varietals

• RieslingThe valley's international calling card. Lime zest, talc, and flinty minerality with electrifying acidity. Ages magnificently, developing honeyed toast and kerosene complexity.
• ShirazPowerful yet elegant with dark plum, blackberry, and chocolate notes. The cool nights preserve acidity and perfume, giving Clare Shiraz a distinctive structural finesse.
• GrenacheOften from dry-grown bush vines. Perfumed and spicy with raspberry, rose petal, and white pepper, offering a lighter, more aromatic red style.
• Cabernet SauvignonClassically structured with cassis, dried herb, and mint characters. The warm days and cool nights build complexity while maintaining firm, elegant tannins.