top of page
Penwortham, Clare Valley.jpg

Clare Valley

Clare Valley is situated in the mid-north region of South Australia, just 120 kilometres by car. On the southern tip is the township of Auburn and the valley stretches to the Clare township in the north. The region is famous for its world-class riesling. It is actually not far from Barossa Valley and share the same hills. If you are fortunate enough there is an old abandoned railway track which has been converted into a cycle path between the two if you are feeling energetic enough

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

The Clare Valley (north of Adelaide in South Australia) is one of Australia’s oldest and most distinctive wine regions. With its combination of elevation (300–600 m), Mediterranean climate, cool nights, and varied soils, it produces wines of great purity and regional identity. While the Clare is best known as the home of Australia’s finest Riesling, it also produces standout Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus emerging Mediterranean varieties.

​

Key grape varieties grown

  • Riesling

    • The flagship variety of the Clare Valley.

    • Produces dry, lime-driven, mineral wines with intense acidity and age-worthiness.

    • Known for two subregional styles:

      • Watervale Riesling: generous, floral, with ripe citrus and softer acidity.

      • Polish Hill Riesling: tighter, steely, mineral, and built for long ageing.

    • Riesling from Clare is considered the benchmark for Australian dry Riesling globally.

  • Shiraz

    • Full-bodied, rich, and spicy with dark fruits and hints of chocolate.

    • Can be bold like Barossa Shiraz, but with more freshness and structure due to elevation.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Well suited to the region, producing structured, cassis-driven wines with firm tannins and good ageing potential.

    • Sometimes blended with Shiraz.

  • Grenache and Mourvèdre (Mataro)

    • Increasingly planted, producing bright, aromatic reds and GSM blends.

  • Emerging varieties

    • Italian reds such as Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, and Montepulciano are gaining traction.

    • Spanish and Portuguese varieties are also being trialled.

  • White varieties beyond Riesling

    • Chardonnay and Semillon are present, but overshadowed by Riesling.

    • Fiano and Pinot Gris are being planted in small quantities.

​

Major wineries

The Clare Valley has a mix of historic names, Riesling specialists, and boutique innovators:

  • Jim Barry Wines

    • One of the Clare’s most celebrated estates.

    • Famous for The Armagh Shiraz (iconic, powerful red) and Florita Riesling.

  • Grosset Wines

    • Jeffrey Grosset is the most famous modern Riesling producer in Australia.

    • Polish Hill Riesling and Springvale Riesling are benchmarks.

    • Strong commitment to organics and sustainability.

  • Pikes Wines

    • Established by the Pike family in 1984.

    • Known for Riesling and Shiraz, plus a wide range of alternative varieties.

  • Skillogalee

    • Family-owned boutique winery, producing Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet.

    • Known for small-batch, artisanal winemaking.

  • Sevenhill Cellars

    • Founded by Jesuits in 1851, the Clare’s oldest winery.

    • Still supplies sacramental wine, but also produces acclaimed Riesling, Shiraz, and fortifieds.

  • Knappstein

    • Historic producer, making Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet.

    • Known for heritage buildings and consistent quality.

  • Mitchell Wines

    • Small family winery focusing on Riesling and reds, with organic practices.

bottom of page