Steeped in a rich history, the Clare Valley is one of the best wine regions not only in South Australia — but in the world. How lucky are we that it’s only a 90 minute drive from Adelaide!
Image credit :: Duy Dash
If you haven’t paid this grape-filled region a visit — there’s no excuses, add it to your bucket list of destinations! But with so much on offer we get how it might feel a little overwhelming to know where to start. Lucky for you, we’ve pulled together a few ways to uncover the Clare Valley in a fun and unique way.
Hot tip: don’t forget to take the time to stop and chat to the locals, that’s where you’ll get the most insider info about everything that’s tucked away in Clare…
Eat
We can’t stress this enough: the Watervale Hotel offers one of the most phenomenal dining experiences we’ve ever stumbled across. The multi-award-winning hotel offers ethical, epicurean experiences that celebrate local and seasonal produce so you can truly get a taste of Clare — and with four different dining styles on offer, you can choose how to enjoy them:
+ Á la carte or Feed Me: both of these options feature organic produce from Penobscot Farm.
+ Gourmet or Farm Feast: filled with shared plates best enjoyed in a group.
+ Six-course degustation: A menu that can be matched with Clare Valley wines or mocktails, for when you’re feeling a little fancy.
Image credit :: South Australian Tourism Commission
The beauty of The Watervale’s menu is that it’s a true celebration of all the natural flavours of the world, using ingredients grown on their Penobscot Farm, then cooked up and delivered straight to the table. Penobscot Farm is being developed into a bio-dynamic, organic farm, growing a wide range of seasonal fruits, nuts, leaves and vegetables so that visitors can experience the very best in fresh ingredients, and know exactly where their meal is coming from.
If a long lunch isn’t enough for you, make a day of it by booking a signature experience like the Six Senses Penobscot Farm Tour or a full-day interactive cooking masterclass.
Do
Ditch the car and jump on two wheels instead, for a totally unique e-bike tour of the Clare Valley! The Riesling Trail winds past some of the most celebrated wineries and destinations in the region, including KT, Skillogallee, Pikes Beer Company and the Clare Valley Art Gallery. The trail runs in one big 33km loop (with options for longer or shorter distances) so you can choose what you feel up to — can you think of a better way to breathe in the fresh air of the Valley?
Image credit :: South Australian Tourism Commission
Visit
History AND exquisite wines? Now we’re talking! Sevenhill Cellars is Clare Valley’s very first winery (and one of the oldest wineries in Australia), founded way back in 1851. Not only can you relax, picnic or play on the expansive lawns surrounded by vineyards while enjoying a glass of Sevenhill Grenache, but you can also take yourself on a self-guided tour around the cellar door, retracing the steps of some pretty incredible visitors — like Australia’s only Saint, Mary MacKillop. Don’t mind if we do!
Image credit :: South Australian Tourism Commission
Platter like a pro
Shut the Gate Wines and Cellar Door is warm, inviting, quirky and filled with character — not to mention, they’re busy pouring their huge range of wines every day of the week! If you’re a fellow platter queen, we highly recommend taking a seat out in the gardens with a bottle of Tempranillo and a platter with all the fixings, including plenty of produce sourced locally.
Image credit :: South Australian Tourism Commission
Unwind
Breathe in … breathe out … and find yourself a possie with views for days, on the rooftop of Seed Clare Valley for a pre-dinner drink, as you reminisce on the perfect day you’ve just had. The rooftop bar offers seasonal cocktails, premium spirits, tap beers, wood oven pizzas, cheese and charcuterie from 4pm Thursday – Saturday. And getting to dinner afterwards has never been so easy — just wander downstairs into the heart of Seed’s bistro for a relaxed quality dinner that celebrates the regions flavours.
A visit to the iconic Clare Valley always leaves us feeling like the cat that got the cream — we are so lucky to have so much goodness right in our own backyard. Don’t wait… head Clare Valley way NOW!
:: Sponsored ::
