 Auburn
First-time visitors often begin their exploration of the Clare Valley wine region in Auburn at the southern end of the world-famous wine region. Renowned as the birthplace of Australia's 'Sentimental Bloke' poet, CJ Dennis, Auburn is steeped in history as one of the region's earliest settlements.
Auburn features an abundance of magnificent bluestone buildings, with many deservedly listed on the National Trust and State Heritage Registers.
Take the time to wander along St Vincent Street, a historic precinct that houses a number of well-preserved heritage buildings. Stone cottages or old stores stand on every corner, with many now converted into contemporary restaurants or heritage-style accommodation houses. Drop in to the historic Rising Sun Hotel and the restored Railway Station, now a Mount Horrocks cellar door outlet with lunches on weekends.
Leasingham
Just north of Auburn you pass through the road junction of Leasingham, which was once a small village catering to the bullockies and muleteers carting copper ore from Burra to Port Wakefield. It once had an inn, post office and general store.
Mintaro
Following the Gulf Road Copper Trail to Mintaro, a State Heritage Area, it's time to leave the car and explore this delightful village on foot. As you stroll through the old streets you soon realise the uniqueness of Mintaro.
It has maintained its heritage charm and appearance during its journey into the 21st century and is, indeed, a veritable time warp. You will discover stone churches, cottage gardens, an antique shop where CJ Dennis lived for most of his boyhood, a ruined flourmill and interesting cemeteries. There are also several small vineyards, a boutique winery and two cellar door outlets, a traditional old country pub 'The Magpie and Stump', several cosy restaurants, plus many quaint bed and breakfast houses. Many of the buildings feature slate from the local quarry, the same slate that has been used on billiard tables around the world since 1856.
Mintaro is home to nearby magnificent Martindale Hall, which was the location for filming much of Picnic at Hanging Rock. You will be overwhelmed by the gracious lifestyle once enjoyed by the early large-scale pastoralists.
Halfway along the scenic drive between Mintaro and Sevenhill you will come across Paulette's Vineyard and quite a number of other delightful vineyards nestled in Polish Hill River Valley, a notable wine subregion of the Clare Valley. The Wilson Vineyard and Pikes nestle in the floor of the valley while Pauletts perches high on the hill face providing spectacular views.
Sevenhill
Coming in to Sevenhill you will find the oldest winery and vineyard in the Clare Valley - the Jesuits' Sevenhill Cellars, and you will agree that they certainly knew how to choose a delightful setting. The magnificent St Aloysius Church is a focal point, with visitors able to wander through at leisure, including the crypt. Nearby is the award-winning gourmet retreat of Thorn Park Country House.
Just down the road is the Richardson Park Oval, a great picnic spot with close access to the Riesling Trail. Next, take the scenic drive along the Skilly Hills for views of some of the most picturesque vineyards in the Valley. Along the way you will come across a number of well-known boutique cellar doors and vineyard lunchtime restaurants. Nestled in the surrounding bushland are many delightful bed and breakfasts, both hosted and self-contained, with magnificent outlooks. On the scenic drive to the west is the Spring Gully Conservation Park with a range of spectacular walks for the nature lover.
Penwortham
Travelling south you will find Penwortham nestled in a picturesque valley, once home to earliest settler John Horrocks, who was to explore much of the country north of the Clare Valley by camel.
Watervale
Watervale took its name from the original settler's property 'Watervale Farm'. The small town has a number of heritage buildings, one being the beautifully preserved Stanley Grammar School, which is now a private residence. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with your 'Historic Walk' leaflet in hand, rustle through bric-a-brac at the corner shop and enjoy tastings at a number of family owned cellar door outlets.
Make sure you drop in to the Wine Museum at Quelltaler, to learn about century-old winemaking techniques and equipment.
Watervale provides close access to the Riesling Trail and has three other nearby cellar doors - Stephen John, Crabtree and Olssen Wines. Continue along the same road to visit Murray Edwards Studio, a hand-built mud brick gallery featuring stunning artwork in an inspirational setting.
Clare
Only a short drive north is Clare - the major service centre for locals and visitors to the Clare Valley. Long known as the Garden of the North, Clare has developed as the regional centre and its role in this regard is expanding. You will find most major banks within the main street of Clare and all offer automatic teller machine services. There are a number of service stations offering late trading, and two supermarkets are open seven days a week. Spare the time to browse through a number of speciality shops and be sure to look out for local handicrafts and produce.
If you're looking for accommodation venues with a large capacity, you will find them here. With several motels, a well appointed caravan park and a country club, it is an ideal location for large groups. There are also a number of charming bed and breakfasts and some apartment-style accommodation for those who prefer a secluded getaway.
Clare offers the gourmet food and wine lover many dining options, from your traditional pub grub to contemporary-style dining. Enjoy the panoramic views from Salt 'n Vines Bar and Bistro, aptly named after Clare's founder. Or experience the relaxed vineyard setting of one of Clare's acclaimed restaurants George's of Clare at Neagles Rock Vineyards. Go on a pub-crawl to the three hotels, located within a couple of minutes walk of each other. For nightlife, the Bentleys Hotel at the southern end of the main street occasionally features live bands. For those with a sporting interest there is the highly rated Clare Golf Course with its manicured putting greens, tennis courts and bowling greens. Just north of the town is one of South Australia's finest country racecourses.
Armagh
Meandering through winding hills to the village of Armagh, well known as home of the award-winning Jim Barry Shiraz 'The Armagh', you will find many other hidden treasures. Stop in at 'Valley of Armagh Olive Oil', the largest olive oil outlet in the Clare Valley, and experience a tasting and hand rubbing of premium olive oil.
Blyth
For stunning views of the western plains, continue your climb through the hills to Blyth. Most spectacular in spring and autumn, the scenic patchwork of colours created by paddocks of different crops is a visual treat for all visitors. Pack a gourmet picnic hamper and stop in at the 'Brooks Lookout' to take advantage of the view. For nature buffs, there is a short interpretive botanical walking trail with up to 100 species of remnant vegetation. Also, when in Blyth, don't miss a visit to Medika Gallery housed in the original German St Petrie Kirche Lutheran Church.
|
