The Clare Valley is a region that is laid out to be explored in any way you choose, inviting you to drive, cycle or walk between any of the 40 cellar doors and heritage areas.
Auburn is the first of the southern towns within the Clare Valley, just an hour and a half from Adelaide. A number of antique shops and heritage buildings line the streets, great for an afternoon stroll.
A great way to explore Clare Valley is by walking or cycling the Riesling Trail, a 27-kilometre track linking the townships of Clare and Auburn. Built on the region's old railway line, it's close to a number of boutique wineries.
The town of Clare was settled in 1840 by Edward Burton Gleeson. At that time self-sufficiency was critical since it was a two-week ride to Adelaide, but more stations were built and Clare soon became known as the 'Garden of the North'.
The 'Garden of the North' is still an important stop off point for locals and tourists and has incorporated many modern conveniences without forgetting its historical roots.
Not far from Clare is Sevenhill, famous for the Sevenhill Winery, the oldest winery and vineyard in the Clare Valley and perhaps one of the most picturesque and unusual wineries in the country. At its heart is the magnificent St Aloysius Church, with crypt, through which visitors are free to wander. The winery has been owned and operated by Jesuits since 1851, and it still produces sacramental wines used across Australia and in parts of Asia. Renowned vigneron Brother John May often conducts tours of the winery and surrounding buildings.
Another famous part of the Clare Valley is the magnificent Martindale Hall, the lovingly restored 1879 mansion that featured in the 1970s Australian film 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'.
For more information, contact the Clare Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Main North Road and Spring Gully Road, Clare on 08 8842 2131 or free call 1800 242 131.