Clare Valley

The basics

Allow at least a full day to explore the Clare Valley’s many towns and wineries, although a long weekend here won’t go to waste. There are plenty of wine tours from Adelaide that visit the valley for day trips, and handle the logistics of all transport. Tours are often by car or minivan, but helicopter flights are also available for a luxurious alternative with aerial views. The area’s rustic scenery makes it a tempting place to cycle around: the Riesling Trail connects the valley along an old rail trail.

Things to know before you go

• Riesling is the Clare Valley’s most celebrated wine, but the region is also recognized for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
• You may have to drive down dirt roads to reach some of the region’s wineries.
• Not all wineries have a restaurant or serve food, so plan where you’ll eat in advance.

How to get there

The Clare Valley is roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide, located north of the city along the B82 and away from South Australia’s other famous wine regions. Public transportation isn’t available in the area, so renting a car is one option to explore. Consider a tour if you’d like to sample wine during your visit, which will handle transport between wineries and save the hassle of designating a driver for your trip.

When to get there

Most cellar doors in the Clare Valley don’t open until 10am or 11am and close by 5pm, so there’s no reason to visit too early in the day. Plan a weekday trip for a quieter experience, as weekends are typically busier. The autumn months of March to May are a great time to visit the valley, as you’ll skip the summer heat and be there for harvest season.

Wine regions near Adelaide to visit

The Clare Valley is one of the furthest wine regions from Adelaide in South Australia. Travelers looking for something a little closer have several options closer to Adelaide, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills, which is also home to the quaint Germanic town of Hahndorf.