FESTIVALS
Clare Valley Tourism invites visitors to Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. The event is described as “… one of the first food and wine events of its kind in Australia.
Held in May every year, the festival is a celebration of the region’s award-winning wines, local food and country hospitality. More than 25 wineries participate in the event.”
Tours & Activities in Clare Valley – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
FOOD & FEAST – VINEYARDS
SEVENHILL CELLARS
Sevenhill Cellars is the first vineyard and winery in the region. Established by the Jesuits in 1851 to produce sacramental wine for the Catholic community it continues with its role as a premier wine maker in the region. The Society of Jesus is the owner and manager.
There are guided and self-guided tours. The personalities of the priests with their narrative and passion for their role in Catholic life makes a guided tour of Sevenhill a must do activity for wine tour fans as well as those whose interests are heritage and history.
The tour’s walking trail takes in Seven Hills significant wine and spiritual sites, including the Underground Cellar, old-vine vineyards, St Ignatius of Loyola Shrine and St Aloysius’ Church with its crypt.
Sevenhill Cellars, last remaining Jesuit-owned winery in Australia, founded in 1851 Saint Aloysius Church at Sevenhill winery in the Clare Valley FOOD & FEAST – CRAFT BREWERIES
If you really do not want to indulge in wine tasting …
Clare Valley Breweries are a rising star in the Clare Valley. Local craft brewers such as Clare Valley Brewing Co, Paulett Wines and Pikes Beer Company or The Burra Scrumpy Company with their award winning apple ciders provide a counterpoint from the established riesling vineyards.
Wine Tasting Tours in Clare Valley – BOOK NOW (free cancellation)
CLARE VALLEY – INDULGENCE & ROMANCE
There are a number of accommodation options involving a weekend in an historic cottage. Not surprisingly visitors discover the region brings out the romantic.
The historic stone cottages and buildings, the vineyards with their heritage origins such as Sevenhill Cellars, fires roaring in chimneys with a candlelit dinner.
The sense of timelessness and peace of rural Australia provides a welcome break from your busy week days in Adelaide or elsewhere in Australia.
Thoroughly vet the proposed accommodation provider, it is not romantic if it is nineteenth century drafty with a shabby bathroom.
CULTURE & ARTS – ART GALLERIES
- Burra Regional Art Gallery with its original floorboards and focus on local arts and crafts is not to be missed
- Clare Valley art scene covers aboriginal art to contemporary mixed media is not to be missed. Local artisans are often exhibiting at pop up stalls on market days. Check out when the markets are if you want to include art browsing in your weekend. Explore HATs, Heritage / Arts / Traditions HATs Clare Valley for events such as:
- Concerts & Events at the Courthouse Cultural Centre in Auburn
- Clare Valley Carnival of Music Festival (Annual Music Festival)
- Bungaree Music Camp at Bungaree Historic Station, Clare Valley
WHERE IS THE CLARE VALLEY?
The Clare Valley, South Australia is a fertile valley known for its vineyards, wheat and produce.
WEATHER – Clare Forecast
The area has a temperate winter climate. Australian summers, especially January and February, can be dry and hot. Clare Valley is a year round destination.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CLARE VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Year round there is an event on the calendar. In fact, you could pick two or more festivals and make it a party event. Heritage and history fans, year round, in winter pack clothing layers and enjoy exploring with not a person in sight. Remember to check opening hours beforehand to avoid disappointment.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO CLARE VALLEY FROM ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
The best option to get to the Clare Valley wine trails and heritage towns from Adelaide is by rental vehicle. There is a once daily public bus service. There are no train connections nor is there an airport.
Rent a vehicle in Adelaide, as part of your South Australia road trip.
By bus (approximately four hours). Yorke Peninsula Coach Services offers regular Clare Valley Services. You can book a shuttle collect service with your bike hire, see below.
GETTING AROUND CLARE VALLEY
CYCLE (BIKE)
The Riesling Trail – Clare Valley – Trails SA connects towns, restaurants, and wineries via a converted railway line. The trail is 32km. It is flat easy walking or cycling gives you a chance to observe the towns and vineyards at a leisurely pace. It is not necessary to transport your bike as cycle hire is available from Riesling Trail Bike Hire.
RIESLING TRAIL ROUTE
Start point: The restored Auburn railway station building, Mount Horrocks Wines, Auburn, SA
End Point: The Old Barinia Railway Siding, Barinia Road, Stanley Flat, SA
Distance: 33.0km
Time: 7.5 Hours – Walking
Time: 4.5 Hours – Cycling
Dedicated cyclists have the annual Clare Classic event. Riders have three route options through the wine region of the Clare Valley:
- 80 km – Dirty Clare Gravel Course
- 160 km – Maxi Classic
- 110 km – Challenge Classic
- 50 km – Social Classic
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