Clare Valley is about a 1-hour 45min drive from Adelaide and is perfect for a weekend break. There are over 35 cellar doors all within 40km of each other, many of which can be accessed by cycling the famous ‘Riesling Trail‘.
“A quintessential Australian landscape with rolling vineyards, majestic gum trees, broad acre cropping and dramatic bare-rolling hills. All within a stones-throw from South Australia’s outback; the closest access from any major city” (Tourism South Australia, 2021).
History
Key milestones in the history of the Clare Valley wine region include:
Geography
Clare is at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges with hills running north-south, creating ridges, foothills and valleys. The altitude and aspect of the vineyards within the valley is important for grape growing with vines planted at between 190-609m altitude. This creates large diurnal variation (difference between day-to-night time temperatures) during the ripening months which helps to maintain the fruits acidity. The climate is generally considered a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot summers but cooling afternoon breezes. There are 11 different recognised soil types in the region with Polish Hill known for the broken slate and Watervale with limestone in the sub-soils all helping to create fresh, minerality in their famed Rieslings.
Wine
Clare’s reputation is ‘the heart of Australian Riesling’ and riesling, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are the most planted varieties accounting for 80% of Clare Valley’s wine production (Wine & Grape Association, 2021). However, new varieties are emerging in Clare as winemakers look to adapt to future climate change. Mediterranean varieties are growing in popularity; Jim Barry has recently introduced the first white Greek grape variety, Assyrtiko, into Australia.
Clare is blessed with ancient rocks and soils, rolling hills and valleys as well as the passionate, innovative winemakers. We can also be thankful to this little part of the world for the birthplace of Australia’s screw cap revolution which has transformed the industry.
Notable wineries from this region include:
- Grosset’s Polish Hill Riesling
- Wendouree
- Jim Barry’s The Armagh (Shiraz)
- Kilikanoon
- Pike’s
- Skillogalee
Check out my weekend in Clare for more tips for a visit to this beautiful region
