The Clare Valley and Gilbert Valleys region in South Australia offer a delightful mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and culinary experiences. Here are some must-see attractions and activities.Â
Clare Valley Wine Region: Known for its world-class wineries and picturesque vineyards – over 35 - the Clare Valley offers wine tasting tours, cellar door experiences, and opportunities to sample some of Australia's finest wines, particularly Rieslings. Popular wineries include Kilikanoon Wines, Sevenhill, Crabtree, O’Leary Walker Wines, Taylors, Clos Clare, Shut the Gate, Jeanneret Wines, and Clare Valley Brewing Company, Pikes Wines.Â
Reisling Trail: This scenic trail winds through the Clare Valley, offering visitors the chance to explore the region's stunning landscapes on foot or by bike. The trail passes by vineyards, farmland, and charming towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop for wine tastings or picnics along the way.Â
Historic Towns: Explore charming historic towns like Clare, Mintaro, and Auburn, where you can wander down tree-lined streets, admire heritage buildings, and learn about the region's rich history at local museums and heritage sites.Â
Martindale Hall: This grand Georgian mansion, located near Mintaro, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Built in the 19th century, Martindale Hall offers guided tours that provide insight into the lives of the wealthy pastoralists who once lived there.Â
Outdoors: The Clare Valley region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for bushwalking, hiking, cycling, and fishing. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Clare Valley Conservation Park or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Gilbert River.Â
Local Produce and Gourmet Food: Indulge in the region's delicious local produce and gourmet food offerings. Visit farmers' markets, artisanal food producers, and gourmet Â
Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, the Clare Valley hosts a range of events and festivals celebrating food, wine, music, and culture. Don't miss the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, the Clare Valley Easter Races, Festival of the Lamb in Mintaro or the Clare Valley Film Festival for a taste of local hospitality and entertainment. Others to look out for are SA Autumn Garden Festival, Annual Clare Valley Running Festival, Gourmet Weekend music, food and wine festival Clare Valley Gourmet, The Clare Agricultural & Horticultural Society Show The Clare Show, Cooper and Stone Music Festival.Â
Accommodation in Clare Valley SA is abundant and typified with historic cottages dotted about the countryside that’s suitable for large group accommodation celebrating a milestone event, a bolthole for two, a family or pet friendly stay, Bed and Breakfast or accommodation in Clare Valley SA in a vineyard, with a cellar door and a restaurant! Charming accommodation in Clare Valley coincides with the warm and friendly hospitality you’ll discover and Hosts who will go the extra mile – this is a typical Travellarks trait of our stays with a WOW.Â
The Clare & Gilbert Valleys in South Australia offer a diverse and appealing experience throughout the year, each season bringing its own unique charm. Spring (September to November) is particularly enchanting with vibrant wildflowers in bloom, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling along the Riesling Trail. Â
Harvest season in autumn (March to May) is a highlight, as vineyards burst with ripe grapes and wineries buzz with activity during the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, showcasing the region's finest wines and local produce. Â
Summer (December to February) brings warm weather ideal for exploring the outdoors, enjoying picnics by the river, and attending events such as concerts and festivals. Â
Winter (June to August) offers a cosy ambiance, with the chance to cosy up by the fireplace in one of the region's charming accommodations, savouring hearty meals and Clare Valley reds. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on personal preferences, whether you seek the lively atmosphere of harvest season, the tranquillity of winter, or the beauty of spring blooms.Â
Explore the charm and flavours of Clare Valley, South Australia, with a range of guided tours offering immersive experiences in wine, history, and nature. Discover award-winning wineries and indulge in wine tastings with Clare Valley Tours. For a deeper dive into the region's heritage, join Clare Valley Heritage Tours to uncover colonial architecture and fascinating stories. Nature enthusiasts can embark on guided hikes through the picturesque landscapes of the Riesling Trail with Riesling Trail Bike Hire & Tours. Â
To savour local produce and gourmet delights, Food Tours Clare Valley offers culinary adventures highlighting artisanal products and farm-to-table experiences. For tailored experiences and private tours, Clare Valley Experiences provides personalized itineraries catering to individual preferences. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, history buff, or nature lover, Clare Valley offers guided tours to suit every taste and interest, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this captivating region.Â
This question aims to guide visitors towards memorable culinary experiences in the region.Â
Clare Valley, South Australia, offers a delectable array of dining options showcasing local produce and culinary creativity. Indulge in fine dining at Terroir Auburn, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into elegant dishes paired with exquisite wines. A special occasion at Skillogallee’s award winning restaurant in its vineyard where, if you’ve overindulged, you can book and stay at one of its 4 properties in wonderful accommodation in Clare Valley SAÂ
For a casual yet delicious experience, Seed Winehouse + Kitchen in Clare serves up modern Australian cuisine with a focus on regional flavours and a curated wine list. Explore the flavours of Italy at Osteria Oggi, where traditional Italian dishes are reimagined with a contemporary twist, accompanied by a selection of Clare Valley wines. For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, visit Paulett Wines' Thai Restaurant, renowned for its flavourful curries and aromatic stir-fries. If you're craving hearty pub fare, The Rising Sun Hotel in Auburn offers classic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a great selection of beers and wines. Whether you're seeking fine dining elegance or laid-back pub vibes, Clare Valley's dining scene promises a memorable culinary journey.