mr wilson clare valley tours

On tour with the Clare Valley’s Mr Willson

LIFESTYLE. by Gabriel Jones

Dave Willson is the quintessential Aussie bloke. He loves a chat, sharing a joke, and his smile is as wide as the brim on his hat.

Most people around the Clare Valley know him as Mr Willson – it started as a joke and more a tribute to his sense of humour than any desire from him for formalities.

A true character, the affable bloke has built up a tour company, Clare Valley Tours, selling the virtues of the Clare Valley and South Australia to domestic and international visitors.

It is an easy sell according to Mr Willson, who was born and bred in the Clare Valley, the son of veterinarians, he spent his early years exploring the area on ponies.

“I’ve always had a wonderful affinity with the Clare Valley, it’s my home, and when I became involved in tourism I realised how much passion I have for our region,” he says.

“Being a local and transitioning into a tour operator makes you look at your home in a different light – you actually stop and smell the roses instead of driving past and you realise we really are sitting in one of the nicest, safest places to live in the world and it’s a real privilege.”

A former wool classer, excavation contractor (he was the local gravedigger), private wool buyer and machinery salesperson, a recreational pilot and former chairman of the Clare Aerodrome, Mr Willson knows a thing or two about the area.

So it’s no surprise that when he took on the tour business in 2012, his local knowledge and loveable nature helped him easily build a rapport with his guests.

With two small buses and a chauffeured car, Clare Valley Tours is gaining a reputation for quality, tailored tours of the Clare Valley, Mid North and through to the Flinders Ranges. A quick read through Trip Advisor uncovers comments including “delightful, funny and very knowledgeable … a local treasure”.

Clare Valley Tours recently achieved Quality Tourism Accredited Business status, has current Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence, and is part of the South Australian Tourism Commission emerging products program, a mentoring initiative which assists operators into new markets.

With departures from either Adelaide, Clare Valley or other areas, Mr Willson’s Clare Valley Tours offers guests either package or individualised tours.

He says SA has so much to offer and promises his tours are “no ordinary show”.

An avid reader, Mr Willson continually expands his local knowledge to ensure he can offer his passengers an insider’s view of a region, sometimes going off the beaten track to ensure they see the very best parts of SA.

In fact, don’t be surprised if you find yourself travelling down the bumpy Civilisation Lost Road, onto Dusty Creek Road and end up on World’s End Highway – real places, all with a story to tell.

“We actually live in Utopia here in SA,” he says.

“So many people think the Clare Valley is about the wines, it’s not just wine though, it’s the whole Clare Valley experience – the wineries, the restaurants, the shop owners, agriculture, the vast history and stories from the past and present, the people, and good old-fashioned country hospitality.”

“Nearby there’s Burra which has such an important part in SA’s history and loaded with historical buildings, and Goyder’s Line – the 10-inch rainfall zone where the vineyards virtually meet the outback.

“Just north we’ve got the majestic Flinders Ranges and the Clare Valley is the gateway to them. I hear it so often, people wished they had more time, they didn’t know the Clare Valley and the area around here is so beautiful, that there is so much history, there’s so much to see, do and explore.

“I love being able to share it and if I can send my guests home happy, I’m very happy – I’ve created a lifestyle, not a job.”

This story was first published by Brand South Australia for the Regional Showcase.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Mr Wilson and Clare Valley Tours - Clare Valley Tours

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Mr Wilson and Clare Valley Tours

Thankyou Dave (Wilson) for such an interesting and knowledge based trip of Clare Valley. We loved hitting the backroads and learning the early settler history as well as visiting the many vineyards. Lunch at Paulettes vineyard was awesome along with the wine. We enjoyed the flexibility of the tour, ie, ‘where and what do you want to do/see/go today?’ A value packed day with Dave is not to be missed when in Clare.

Thankyou for the pics and review Shirley, Getting upgraded to a private tour was bonus. Glad you enjoyed your day out with me, we packed a bit. Cheers, DAve

We throughly enjoyed our wine tour with Mr Wilson. In between the excellent cellar door / vineyards Mr Wilson gave us a fascinating account of how and why the Burra and Clare regions were settled. All stories were told with with captivating enthusiasm and humor. The staff at the cellar doors were exceptional and we were fortunate to have mostly "one on one" attention which allowed us to learn a great deal about the vineyards and wines. Lunch at Paulette's was first rate and featured unique local fare. Thanks very much to Mr Wilson for a perfect day.

Gordon and Leona, Thankyou for the review. I was thinking of you last night over dinner with the Matriarch & Rouge Shiraz you kindly left with me. Hope Francesca comes to visit you, she really enjoyed your company Leona. I have listened to the podcasts, Thankyou, trust the remainder of your road trip went well Thanks for joining us on a tour, thanks again for the review and Thankyou for a great day out, Dave

We picked this tour based on all the great reviews we had read, and were not disappointed. What a day it turned out to be. Dave aka Mr Willson was waiting for us at our motel, a few minutes early. We were introduced to his neighbour Peter, and sister Annie, who were accompanying us for the day (perhaps to keep Mr Willson on track). We then picked up the others (5) joining us on the tour. We started off at Sevenhill cellars, which was established by Jesuits in 1851. Dave gave us a tour through the church, and some great insights into the history of the Jesuits in Clare. We then visited the cellar door; their wines are outstanding. Next up was Hill River winery, followed by Reilly’s winery for more tastings and lunch. During the day Dave went through some private properties and gave us some good insights into the grape vines etc. After lunch we visited Crabtree Watervale Wines and finished off the day at Jeanneret Wines & Clare Valley Brewing co. Dave engaged with everyone during the day, and we were continually laughing at some of the repartee that took place. I can’t emphasise enough how much we laughed during the day. But at the same time Dave is very knowledgeable, and well known in Clare. We not only laughed a lot, we also learnt quite a bit, tasted some great wines and had a lovely lunch. Overall a fantastic tour. Pete & Ava.

Pete and Ava, such a wonderful review, Thankyou. I’m chuffed. It was a fabulous day out, everyone got on well. Enjoy your road trip stay safe and thanks for your great company. Cheers, Dave

We where a group of 6, this was our rest day from travelling, Dave showed us the sights, the commentary gave us a laugh, the best drink and food, we all had a fantastic time, we recommend this tour/ tour-guide

Thanks Claus, I appreciate the review. Trust the rest of the ride went well, was a pleasure showing your group around The Clare. Dave

We booked Mr Willson for a full day tour to get the full Clare experience. Being a local, Dave's knowledge of the area and history was excellent. He took us to Seven Hills wines initally where we learnt about how the valley started and sampled some quality wines. Our tour included several other wineries and Pikes Winery where we tasted beer and wine all of high quality. Lunch at Paulett Wines was brilliant. Very tasty and with views over the valley. A highlight for me was the welcome we received at each venue. We were made to feel like welcome guests, rather than the next customer. We asked Dave to include more history, and he was happy to oblige. Highly recommended.

Thanks Jody and Mary, the dancing lessons found two left feet but l took the lead. Hope you enjoy the Penna Lane 2009, that was a steal. Drive carefully, thanks again, Dave

Mr Willson quickly assessed our areas of interest across heritage and viticulture and adapted the tour to suit. Divine lunch and wonderful wines while we learned about the local history and different wine areas of the Clare Valley. Lots of fun and light hearted banter. We were going to do the e-bike version but am sure we would not have had such a fun day. Highly recommend.10 stars.

Hi Moran’s, thanks for a 10 star review, very kind, glad you enjoyed your day out, Clare Valley is one of those places that just keeps on giving. Safe a happy travels, thanks again, Dave

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On tour with the clare valley's mr willson.

Dave Willson is the quintessential Aussie bloke. He loves a chat, sharing a joke, and his smile is as wide as the brim on his hat.

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Most people around the Clare Valley know him as Mr Willson – it started as a joke and more a tribute to his sense of humour than any desire from him for formalities.

A true character, the affable bloke has built up a tour company, Clare Valley Tours , selling the virtues of the Clare Valley and South Australia to domestic and international visitors.

It is an easy sell according to Mr Willson, who was born and bred in the Clare Valley, the son of veterinarians, he spent his early years exploring the area on ponies.

“I’ve always had a wonderful affinity with the Clare Valley, it’s my home, and when I became involved in tourism I realised how much passion I have for our region,” he says.

“Being a local and transitioning into a tour operator makes you look at your home in a different light – you actually stop and smell the roses instead of driving past and you realise we really are sitting in one of the nicest, safest places to live in the world and it’s a real privilege.”

A former wool classer, excavation contractor (he was the local gravedigger), private wool buyer and machinery salesperson, a recreational pilot and former chairman of the Clare Aerodrome, Mr Willson knows a thing or two about the area.

So it’s no surprise that when he took on the tour business in 2012, his local knowledge and loveable nature helped him easily build a rapport with his guests.

A quick read through Trip Advisor uncovers comments including “delightful, funny and very knowledgeable … a local treasure”.

Clare Valley Tours recently achieved Quality Tourism Accredited Business status, has current Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence, and is part of the South Australian Tourism Commission emerging products program, a mentoring initiative which assists operators into new markets.

With departures from either Adelaide, Clare Valley or other areas, Mr Willson’s Clare Valley Tours offers guests either package or individualised tours.

He says SA has so much to offer and promises his tours are “no ordinary show”.

An avid reader, Mr Willson continually expands his local knowledge to ensure he can offer his passengers an insider’s view of a region, sometimes going off the beaten track to ensure they see the very best parts of SA.

In fact, don’t be surprised if you find yourself travelling down the bumpy Civilisation Lost Road, onto Dusty Creek Road and end up on World’s End Highway – real places, all with a story to tell.

“We actually live in Utopia here in SA,” he says.

“So many people think the Clare Valley is about the wines, it’s not just wine though, it’s the whole Clare Valley experience – the wineries, the restaurants, the shop owners, agriculture, the vast history and stories from the past and present, the people, and good old-fashioned country hospitality.”

“Nearby there’s Burra which has such an important part in SA’s history and loaded with historical buildings, and Goyder’s Line – the 10-inch rainfall zone where the vineyards virtually meet the outback.

“Just north we’ve got the majestic Flinders Ranges and the Clare Valley is the gateway to them. I hear it so often, people wished they had more time, they didn’t know the Clare Valley and the area around here is so beautiful, that there is so much history, there’s so much to see, do and explore.

“I love being able to share it and if I can send my guests home happy, I’m very happy – I’ve created a lifestyle, not a job.”

This story was first published by Brand South Australia for the Regional Showcase.

So it’s no surprise that when he took on the tour business in 2012, his local knowledge and loveable nature helped him easily build a rapport with his guests.

A quick read through Trip Advisor uncovers comments including “delightful, funny and very knowledgeable … a local treasure”.

“So many people think the Clare Valley is about the wines, it’s not just wine though, it’s the whole Clare Valley experience – the wineries, the restaurants, the shop owners, agriculture, the vast history and stories from the past and present, the people, and good old-fashioned country hospitality.”

“Nearby there’s Burra which has such an important part in SA’s history and loaded with historical buildings, and Goyder’s Line – the 10-inch rainfall zone where the vineyards virtually meet the outback.

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Mr. Willson - Clare Valley Tours

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Mr. Willson

No guided tour of the CV and environs would be complete without the guidance and experience of the most affable Mr. Willson. His local knowledge and stories have been heard to be believed. ..perhaps a few aren't? A local legend and deserves 5 stars by all who take the time to do so.

Hahaha, all tales are true, even the embellished ones. Thanks for your legendary words, Dave

We had a wonderful day with Dave. His knowledge of the history of the area was outstanding. Especially in relation to Seven Hills and the Jesuit’s. All told we went to six wineries including Paulettes for a lovely lunch. We had a great day and would certainly recommend this tour

Thankyou Wendy, l appreciate the comments and time taken to do so , happy travels to you and Bob cheers

Thankyou Dave (Wilson) for such an interesting and knowledge based trip of Clare Valley. We loved hitting the backroads and learning the early settler history as well as visiting the many vineyards. Lunch at Paulettes vineyard was awesome along with the wine. We enjoyed the flexibility of the tour, ie, ‘where and what do you want to do/see/go today?’ A value packed day with Dave is not to be missed when in Clare.

Thankyou for the pics and review Shirley, Getting upgraded to a private tour was bonus. Glad you enjoyed your day out with me, we packed a bit. Cheers, DAve

We throughly enjoyed our wine tour with Mr Wilson. In between the excellent cellar door / vineyards Mr Wilson gave us a fascinating account of how and why the Burra and Clare regions were settled. All stories were told with with captivating enthusiasm and humor. The staff at the cellar doors were exceptional and we were fortunate to have mostly "one on one" attention which allowed us to learn a great deal about the vineyards and wines. Lunch at Paulette's was first rate and featured unique local fare. Thanks very much to Mr Wilson for a perfect day.

Gordon and Leona, Thankyou for the review. I was thinking of you last night over dinner with the Matriarch & Rouge Shiraz you kindly left with me. Hope Francesca comes to visit you, she really enjoyed your company Leona. I have listened to the podcasts, Thankyou, trust the remainder of your road trip went well Thanks for joining us on a tour, thanks again for the review and Thankyou for a great day out, Dave

We picked this tour based on all the great reviews we had read, and were not disappointed. What a day it turned out to be. Dave aka Mr Willson was waiting for us at our motel, a few minutes early. We were introduced to his neighbour Peter, and sister Annie, who were accompanying us for the day (perhaps to keep Mr Willson on track). We then picked up the others (5) joining us on the tour. We started off at Sevenhill cellars, which was established by Jesuits in 1851. Dave gave us a tour through the church, and some great insights into the history of the Jesuits in Clare. We then visited the cellar door; their wines are outstanding. Next up was Hill River winery, followed by Reilly’s winery for more tastings and lunch. During the day Dave went through some private properties and gave us some good insights into the grape vines etc. After lunch we visited Crabtree Watervale Wines and finished off the day at Jeanneret Wines & Clare Valley Brewing co. Dave engaged with everyone during the day, and we were continually laughing at some of the repartee that took place. I can’t emphasise enough how much we laughed during the day. But at the same time Dave is very knowledgeable, and well known in Clare. We not only laughed a lot, we also learnt quite a bit, tasted some great wines and had a lovely lunch. Overall a fantastic tour. Pete & Ava.

Pete and Ava, such a wonderful review, Thankyou. I’m chuffed. It was a fabulous day out, everyone got on well. Enjoy your road trip stay safe and thanks for your great company. Cheers, Dave

We where a group of 6, this was our rest day from travelling, Dave showed us the sights, the commentary gave us a laugh, the best drink and food, we all had a fantastic time, we recommend this tour/ tour-guide

Thanks Claus, I appreciate the review. Trust the rest of the ride went well, was a pleasure showing your group around The Clare. Dave

Clare Uncorked

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Standard Cellar Door Tasting Fees
• Entry/Admission - Sevenhill Cellars
• Entry/Admission - Jaeschkes Hill River Clare Estate
• Entry/Admission - Reillys Wines Vineyard Walk
• Entry/Admission - Crabtree Watervale Wines
• Wine purchases whilst on tour
• Food Paired Tasting Experiences
• Premium & Structured Tasting Experiences
• 8 Spring Gully Rd, Clare SA 5453, Australia Clare Valley Visitor Information Centre.
• Pick ups outside Clare locality available, Fees apply. Contact Clare Valley Tours
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 8 Spring Gully Rd Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Sevenhill Cellars Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Jaeschkes Hill River Clare Estate Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Reillys Wines Vineyard Walk Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Crabtree Watervale Wines Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details Pass by Spring Gully Conservation Park Kilikanoon Wines
• 5 Skillogalee Creek Road Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Ken B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Tour Guide Experience We were lucky enough to have Dave recommended to us as a tour guide by the local tourist information centre. They said if we wanted to know anything about the area, Dave was our man! The were absolutely on the money. We had a group of five and wanted to head out into the Flinders Ranges for a couple of days. Dave organised everything, drove us out and was the tour guide encyclopaedia. we learnt so much about the history and local area and Dave also suggested places to eat and drink wine at for the Clare Valley wine festival. Very easy going, great conversations and it felt more like Dave was part of our group. If you are doing anything in the Clare Valley, Dave at Clare Valley Tours absolutely has to be your first stop. Best tour guide ever. Read more Written 27 May 2023
• sueohl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bottled History revealed We had a wonderful day with Dave. He was so knowledgeable with the history of the area and had a wonderful relationship with proprietors on the way. Lunch was magnificent. A particular highlight was our trip to the crypt at Sevenhill. Read more Written 16 October 2022
• Nicola C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Grape Express Grape express fantastic. Had a great time with a girlfriend hopping on and off the grape express with Tom as our driver for the day. Was always on time and gave excellent advice and banter across the day. Will certainly do again. Read more Written 16 October 2022
• cynthiamZ6261TN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect day in the Clare Valley Mr Willson is an excellent host and knowledgeable guide for what was a very interesting and enjoyable day. Mr Willson took us to small wineries for leisurely tastings, to places of historical significance where he told the stories of the early pioneers, and we shared an exceptional lunch at a local restaurant- Paulette’s. Read more Written 8 October 2022
• klaebart 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, Good Food and Great Wine Thanks Mr. Willson One of the best tours ever . We had so much fun . Mr Willson was the best host, knowledgable and lots of laughs . Great value for money with a delicious lunch. Wineries were wonderful with types of wine we hadn’t had before . A great day out . Highly recommended. Read more Written 20 September 2022
• thebellsAU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience We were a group of 4 who used the Grape Express Tour Bus for our day of wine tasting in Clare and surrounding areas. Our driver John, was great. Punctual, patient and had both knowledge of the area nd a good sense of humour. Highly recommended. Read more Written 11 September 2022
• 72theresew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private tour with friends Highly recommend booking a tour with Dave. He knew exactly how to tailor the tour to suit our group. Dave provided us with lots of laughs, fantastic wineries and interesting local history. Great lunch too which was included in the price. Read more Written 5 April 2022
• F8107VXjanm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour with the best locals Congratulations, Dave (Mr Willson), for providing our small group with 4 wonderful days of fascinating sites and tastings. You & Tom, as true locals, showed to have so many contacts, insights and anecdotes - all with your seamless organisation. Touring with you was a pleasure! Read more Written 27 March 2022
• Allder 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private Tour for 5 Absolutely amazing tour and Dave is an incredible host, driver, raconteur and bon vivant! We got exceptional value for money and visited wineries we would never have visited. Read more Written 6 March 2022
• haccerboi194 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unmissable experience If you're coming to Clare, you can't skip out on booking a tour with Dave. Friendly, wise, knowledgeable and a sensational taste for wine, he'll know exactly how to tune your experience for whatever your occasion may be. Prepare yourself for a trip through the gorgeous Clare Valley, and your tastebuds for a trip through the gorgeous wines and foods the region has to offer. Well worth the cost for an experience unlike any you've had before. Read more Written 22 October 2021
• coonawarraexp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Coonawarra meets Clare Valley with Mr Willson If you're looking for someone who lives and breathes the Clare Valley Region don't go any further than Me Willson! Dave is extremely passionate about Clare and it's surrounds and knows a hell of a lot about the history of the region as well. Much more than you're average wine tour as well. Dave has excellent relationships with all the cellar doors and you will be given VIP service when in his company. You will also find yourself laughing a great deal throughout the day which illustrates how comfortable Dave's company is. Dave's tours are fully hosted and all inclusive so don't be fooled by someone else offering you a slightly lesser price and then adding on extras such as lunch and tasting fees. We run a tour company ourselves in Coonawarra and it's people such as Dave that makes us extremely proud of our industry. Book with Dave and book with confidence! Many thanks, Mr Willson. 🍷 Read more Written 1 June 2021
• Lea S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thanks "Mr Wilson" Definitely recommend this day out with "Mr Wilson" His local knowledge of the history of the area and his humour along the way made for an interesting day. The wineries we visited and the food we enjoyed at Paulettes winery was amazing. A great way to spend a day with good company, beautiful wine and food and a history lesson all made for an experience you'll remember. Read more Written 21 May 2021
• J2001RYsuzannew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun with Dave WOW what fantastic tour and fantastic person taking us on the tour. MR WILSON. We loved the informality of the tour and all the wineries. Lunch was well beyond our expectations. Fabulous food!!!!!!!!. If you do nothing else in Clare, you must go on one of these tours. So much fun and enjoyable company with such a knowledgeable and friendly Dave. We cannot thank you enough. Read more Written 14 April 2021
• merpm2021 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Experience you'll never forget! This is no ordinary wine tour! we had so much fun with Dave on tour around the Clare Valley, he knows everything there is to know about the region. We will be recommending all of our friends and family to do this tour, This is the one to go for! Trust me!! Read more Written 30 March 2021
• m_maybus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do tour The drive around Mintaro and Dave's local knowledge and history was an unexpected massive bonus. We got to see places and learn things we would have never have known about doing a self guided tour. If you're looking for an unforgettable day out, with lots of laughs amdgreat wine, then Clare Valley Tours is a must!!! Read more Written 8 March 2021

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Clare Uncorked provided by Clare Valley Tours

• Travel blog

Meet Clare, South Australia's Top Tourism Town

A picturesque hour and forty-five minutes’ drive from Adelaide, in the heart of the acclaimed Clare Valley wine region, Clare is central to the region’s food and wine community, home to over forty cellar doors and boutique wineries, award-winning restaurants and artisan cafes. Explore this beautiful regional landscape via a network of walking and biking trails including the celebrated Riesling Trail that travels through charming villages and scenic vistas. Rich in pioneering history Clare has unique historic destinations to discover, local artists, sculptures, and street art to admire… it really is a place you can sit back, relax and breathe it in.

SETTLING IN

First things first, your accommodation here in glorious wine country.

As a couple, you are spoilt for choice in Clare. From romantic bushland settings, where you will feel like the only person for miles, to charming B&B’s with spa baths and open fires. If you are seeking luxury, try Brice Hill Country Lodge , The Mill Apartments , or Trestrail Cottage .  Alternatively, to embrace the beautiful outdoors, try Bukirk Glamping , the perfect way to camp without sacrificing the luxuries … did we mention it’s home to a resident superstar pig - ‘Kevin Bacon’.

DAY 1: EXPLORE!

After a restful night’s sleep, throw open your window and breathe in that fresh Clare Valley air.

To start your day ... Coffee! Clare is abundant with great coffee and engaging baristas. Make Café 1871 your first stop for a coffee and delicious locally made pastry. Then grab your Clare Valley Scenic Drive Map and get ready for a day of historic townships, local wine, delicious food, and incredible views. Roll down your windows and breathe in the fresh air.

Travel the back roads to the State Heritage-listed town of Mintaro , home to the famous Martindale Hall , a set location for iconic Australian film A Picnic at Hanging Rock (1974). Wander through this historic Georgian mansion for an insight into the opulent lifestyles of its original residents.

Next up, lose yourself (quite literally!) in the acclaimed Mintaro Maze . This living hedge incorporates over hundreds of conifers, and features fountains, twists and turns that will trick even the most committed explorer. On your way out, drop in at Reilly’s Wines , where you can add to your collection with a bottle of Reilly’s world class Old Bush Vine Shiraz.

Take the ‘local’s route’ to Auburn, along the way enjoying the expansive views and fine wines of Taylors Wines vineyards … where you can even sample chocolate and wine pairing! Continue your journey along the Upper Skilly Road, past grand old mansions of the 1800’s.  Watch for native bird life, kangaroos, and echidnas along the way.

For lunch Watervale is the perfect place. For something lighter try the Watervale General Store , a menu brimming with local favourites. If you are keen for a longer lunch, experience the sumptuous degustation menu of the Watervale Hotel .

John Ainsworth Horrocks was a famous English explorer and one of Clare Valley’s first European settlers. At Penwortham you can visit the cottage he built in 1839 - making it the oldest stone building in the region. Here delve into a unique collection of books and photos that tell the story of the local area. At historic St Mark’s Church, visit Horrocks’ final, and somewhat unusual, resting place.

Continue your journey through Spring Gully Conservation Park , stretching your legs along one of the park’s picturesque walking trails. Be sure to pack a camera to capture the breathtaking views!

In the evening, back in Clare, experience some real local favourites. Stroll to Ragu & Co for authentic Italian cuisine and a superb Clare Valley wine selection.

DAY 2: BICYCLE ADVENTURE

No visit to Clare is complete without experiencing the region by bike.

 To start your day … a hearty breakfast at the popular Zest Café . Then pick up your bicycle for a day of adventure, cycling the famous Riesling Trail . If a little less pedalling is your style, then hire an e-bike, half the effort with all the rewards!

Start your ride from local landmark - the ‘ Drover and his Sheep ’ sculpture and continue south along the old railway line. Meander along the trail, breathing in the fresh country air and admiring the picturesque Clare Valley scenery. Take a right turn just past the Showgrounds and stop at the Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre where local artists and producers showcase their wonderful creations.

Continue south along the trail, first stopping at St Aloysius Church, and then at historic Sevenhill Cellars , Clare Valley’s very first winery founded by Jesuit priests bin 1851. Here the Rieslings are superb, along with other varietals of course.

For lunch head down to Sevenhill township and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sevenhill Hotel , recently celebrated as the ‘Best Country Dining’ in South Australia.

After lunch, jump back on your bicycle and continue south along the Riesling Trail, stopping in at O’Leary Walker Wines to admire the fine Rieslings and magificant views over Leasingham. From there, turn around and head back to Clare. On your return stop in at the Clare Valley Art Gallery , a collection of bright and vibrant paintings from Indigenous artists of Utopia. Listen to gallery’s owner as he tells the engaging stories behind these artistic creations.

In the evening rest those weary legs with a relaxing dinner at Indii of Clare where you will discover authentic Indian cuisine and a selection of fine Clare Valley wines.

DAY 3: WINE DISCOVERY

To start your day … take an early morning walk through the Gleeson Wetlands . This native garden attracts an array of local birdlife and the flowers in bloom are simply stunning. A perfect spot to enjoy a light breakfast picnic.

Just 12kms out of town you will discover historic Bungaree Station , a living record of life in rural Australia. Established in 1841, this iconic property is home of one of Australia’s most successful sheep flocks, run by generations of the Hawker family. Here you can take a self-guided tour around the original farm village admiring the magnificent sandstone woolshed, shearers quarters, St Michael’s Church, and the Homestead.

Now it’s time to let someone else do the driving! So, head back into Clare, park the car, and be collected by the fabulous Mr Wilson of Clare Valley Tours for a private winery tour discovering one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.  Mr Wilson will introduce you to a handpicked selection of Clare Valley’s pioneering wineries, where quite often the winemaker themself will greet you at the cellar door and share stories and wines of the current vintage. As you discover some new wines for your collection, be sure to try some of our world-renowned Rieslings.

For lunch we recommend taking your time, with a long lunch at the award-winning and ‘hatted’ Slate Restaurant at Pikes in Polish Hill River. Savour estate-grown wines and handcrafted beers alongside the amazing produce of this proud region.

In the evening after an epic day of tasting and discovery, settle down for a relaxing, cosy night in.

DAY 4: RICH HERITAGE

To start your day … visit Daily Grind for a hit of artisan coffee with one of their signature bagels.

The final day’s itinerary takes you to the historic town of Burra , a short ½ hour drive from Clare. In 1845, at the height of South Australia’s mining boom, migrants flocked to Burra to try their luck finding copper ore.  The Burra Monster Mine was once the largest metals mine in Australia and produced 5% of the world’s copper.  Today the town is National Heritage Listed, with many of the glorious old buildings still intact.

Collect your Heritage Passport from the Burra and Goyder Visitor Information Centre and make your way around an 11km self-guided tour of the town, exploring over fifty historic sites including the Monster Mine, Redruth Gaol, the underground Unicorn Brewery Cellars, and the Miners’ Dugouts. A fascinating morning of rich heritage, history, and culture.

For lunch drop into St Just Café , cosy and inviting with a delicious menu of home-made sweets and savoury goodies.

Then head back to Clare and spend a few hours taking in the vibrant main street and surrounds. Check out the street art, browse boutiques, and visit the Arts Collective Clare Valley which showcases over twenty local artists.   Discover a little piece of Clare to take home with you.

In the evening celebrate your Clare experience with a sumptuous dining experience at Terroir Auburn . Here you will be treated to a lovingly curated menu featuring fresh local produce and an outstanding selection of Clare Valley wines. Over dinner, start planning your next visit …  

… one thing you can be sure of, each time you visit you will discover a different Clare!

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Clare Valley Wineries: The Heart Of Australian Riesling

We’re not sure who Clare is, but they named a valley after her, and she makes a damn good Riesling wine. If you’re not a Riesling fan, don’t stress; there are plenty of other grape varieties to suck on. The Clare Valley wine region’s history dates back a whopping 150 years. The first vines were planted in the 1830s by European settlers. The culture is rich and the sense of community is strong. So what? Are you planning a trip to Clare Valley? If you are, congratulations on escaping lockdown and here’s some secrets we can let you in on; The tastiest Clare Valley winery restaurants A few top-notch Clare Valley wineries for lunch Things to do in the Clare Valley Clare Valley luxury Accommodation Epic Clare Valley wine tours

Sound good? Letsah Go!

The Clare Valley Wine Region

Just an hour and a half north of Radalaide (the local’s colloquialism for Adelaide), best prepare to Immerse yourself in an adventure through the country roads by motor vehicle or by bike, traversing the Reisling Trail, stopping at cellar doors, art galleries and cafes along the way. Alternatively, there are some great wine tours in Clare Valley that provide informative friendly services that don’t involve any peddling.

Now, what we stated earlier was not entirely true, we do know who Clare is; Edmond Gleeson named the region in the 1840s after his hometown in Ireland, County Clare. Not long after the naming of young Clare Valley, the region started to build a reputation for its fertile soil… yes, Clare is very fertile . 

As the heart of Australian Riesling , The Clare Valley is home to some of the best in the world and is considered a benchmark of quality. The Clare Valley Rieslings show characteristics of exotic citrus, lime, orange blossoms and crunchy apples. But it’s not all white wine winners, the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are also very highly regarded. The Clare Valley is known for its moderate continental climate. With warm summer days, cooling in the afternoon and chilly night breezes slowing the ripening process, allowing maturities to shine through the grapes. Clare Valley wineries only produce 1.3 % of Australian wine, however, the region’s wine is internationally acclaimed and appears in five-star restaurants and aircraft worldwide.

Clare Valley Winery Restaurants

Speaking of eating out, Clare Valley winery restaurants are known for their southern hospitality and inspired menu choices. The region is abundant when it comes to produce, giving Clare Valley restaurants the upper hand to deliver invigorating culinary experiences.

There is something about the paddock to plate philosophy that just tickles our fancy. We recommend Slate Restaurant at Pikes Wines. They try to use what’s in their kitchen garden out back, mixed with locally sourced ingredients to create a cuisine that replicates the flavours of Australia. Book in advance… it’s making us hungry just thinking about it.

Clare Valley Accommodation

If, after reading this article you decide that one day in paradise isn’t going to cut the mustard, Clare Valley accommodation is readily available. We recommend the Skillogalee Cottages . They are straight out of a storybook, and on the inside, there is nothing but extravagance and comfort.  For luxury accommodation in the Clare Valley, kick your feet up at Skillogalee.

Clare Valley Wine Tours

When it comes to wine tours in the Clare Valley, you can’t go wrong with Clare Valley Wine Tours; the clue is in the title. Mr Wilson runs the wine tours and tell you what; he knows the region like the back of his hand. There is nothing better than having a local tell you where to go and, more importantly, where not to go

If you’re looking to soak up a bit of knowledge and a bit more Clare Valley Riesling than you might like to admit, book a tour .

Clare Valley Wineries Map

After a few vinos, the wine fog settles in, and direction may not be your strongest suit. Check out this wineries map of Clare Valley to figure out where you’re going next.

The Best Wineries in Clare Valley 

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Clare Valley. Here are our top 6 wineries to indulge in…

The award-winning Pauletts came about when the Paulett family relocated from the Hunter Valley in 1982. Neil and Alison Paulette have created a family-orientated business with a single philosophy “create memorable moments in every glass”.

Sitting at the pinnacle of Clare Valley winery restaurants, the BushDevine Restaurant is a stunner. Jaw-dropping views overlooking the vineyards and beyond, and the best way to describe the food is the Australian bush on a plate. They have cultivated the idea of Australian cuisine, collaborating a range of international influences but using innovative ingredients; for example, the delicious  Braised octopus, nduja, eucalypt smoked macadamia, muntries, and kohlrabi is a must-try. When it comes to Clare Valley wineries, you’d be insane not to take advantage of this institution of exquisite indulgence.

Reviews 4.9 ⭐️ Google Review from 117 reviews 4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 299 reviews

Sevenhill Cellars

Sevenhill Cellars was the first winery established amongst the Clare Valley Wineries. 

Sevenhill was settled back in 1851 by the Society of Jesus to produce sacramental wine. This tradition is continued through the winery today, but it’s now also highly regarded for its premium wines. It is said that all water that trickles down the valley turns into wine and… not really, but that would be cool. If you decide to partake in Mr Wilson ’s Clare Valley Wine Tour, Sevenhill Cellars is the first winery you visit; he’ll go into depth about the history, including a little background about the men of the cloth that are buried in the crypts beneath! Whilst learning about Sevenhill’s religious and historical significance, enjoy a glass of their premium nectar of the vine in one of the best wineries in Clare Valley.

Reviews 4.6⭐️ Google Review from 102 reviews 4.5⭐️ Trip Advisor from 302 reviews

Crabtree Watervale Wines

The estate was founded in 1849 and was originally an orchard growing various seasonal fruits.

Robert Crabtree purchased the property in 1984. He built a small modern winery, renovated the historic homestead and upgraded the vineyard.

Crabtree Wines is now a small boutique winery, meaning the wines produced become vintage and are very limited in production. Award-winning, hand-crafted wines are available to try at the cellar door, seven days a week.

Crabtree Wines pride themselves on unique & delicious wine, friendly staff and intimate, memorable Clare Valley wine tasting experiences. Today, the winery is thriving and they are adamant on keeping Robert Crabtree’s initial vision alive.

Reviews 4.6 ⭐️ Google Review from 29 reviews 4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 54 reviews

Claymore Wines

Claymore Wines began back in 1997, and they have proclaimed that “Wine is the only artwork you can drink” ever since. With this mentality at the foundation of their philosophies, the Claymore empire was constructed. They now own 40 hectares of vines and three additional vineyards in Watervale. The brand label is inspired by the winemaker’s favourite bands and soccer team, Liverpool. They use a range of grape varieties from Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache to crisp Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay. Have a laugh with the staff as they take you through some premium wines at the cellar door that you can only experience then and there, like the Bitter Sweet Symphony or The Dark Side of the Moon. Claymore Wine truly is a drink with a sense of humour.

Reviews 4.7⭐️ Google Review from 36 reviews 4.5⭐️ Trip Advisor from 57 reviews

Jim Barry Wines

Jim Barry was full of drive and community spirit. He helped shape South Australia ’s Clare Valley as a benchmark producer of world-class Riesling. It also cemented its place as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Jim Barry was the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley in 1947.

They emphasize the importance of maintaining the fruit’s integrity when winemaking, none of that fancy nancy stuff, just good quality grapes. With three generations of knowledge and experience resting on their shoulders, they now own 17 vineyards covering 320 hectares of the Clare Valley wine region.

Reviews 4.5⭐️ Google Review from 46 reviews 4.5⭐️ Trip Advisor from 106 reviews

Eldredge Vineyards 

There lies a 100-year-old cottage living among the Sevenhill Ranges reborn from the moss gathered and turned into Eldredge Vineyard. The Estate now generate premium quality wines using nothing but 100 % Clare Valley fruit that portrays the unique characteristics of the valley.

Eldredge Wines is picturesque, to say the least. This Clare Valley winery is perfect for weddings, functions, or just to enjoy a glass of the old vino with a cheese plate to compliment. The views from the deck are glorious and they often hold groovy events like their Gourmet Sundays or their Long Lunch where you can taste the menu and the wine list matched and ready to go. Sample one of the best Clare Valley wineries for lunch; treat yourself.

Reviews 4.6 ⭐️ Google Review from 36 reviews 4.5 ⭐️ Trip Advisor from 22 reviews

Things to do in Clare Valley

Get in the car and discover all the Clare Valley has to offer. Explore the region’s villages nestled in the picturesque valley. Admire the stunning vineyards, enjoy the impeccable farmland and adore the overall beauty of the region. 

We recommend hiring a bike and exploring the famous Riesling Trail. The trail stretches 33km long and, in total, is a 4.5-hour bike ride but has numerous stops along the way. You can explore cellar doors, art galleries or quaint towns, and so much more.

One of the best things to do in Clare Valley – check out the list of the great events. From country shows to gourmet food and wine events and everything in between. There is also the tremendous annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. This is held each May and has been for over 30 years. There is also the yearly Clare Valley Easter Races and the Burra Picnic Races to explore. We recommend making a holiday of your time in the Clare Valley and experiencing the gift that keeps on gifting, or something like that.

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