When it comes to Australian wine regions, the Clare Valley stands out for its distinctive character. Known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and exceptional wines, the Clare Valley is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
One of the best things about a trip to the Clare Valley is its proximity to the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills wine regions. I’d personally recommend flying into Adelaide for a few nights, and visiting a few of the regions—they’re all spectacular.
With over 40 wineries, you’re spoilt for choice in the Clare Valley—the hardest decision you’ll make is which Cellar Doors to visit for a wine tasting. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, here are the 10 best wineries in the Clare Valley.
The 10 Best Cellar Doors in the Clare Valley
From my visits to the Clare Valley’s wineries, I’ve selected 10 recommendations. Each winery offers its own unique atmosphere, from stunning views to delicious cheese boards.
For those who appreciate brevity, here’s a TL;DR. For a more detailed version, scroll down to the section below:
- Jim Barry Wines – Known for its exceptional quality and innovative approach to winemaking.
- Koonowla Wines – A pioneering estate in the Clare Valley offering a unique blend of history and modern winemaking techniques.
- Claymore Wines – Combining music, wines, and football, Claymore Wines offers a unique and enjoyable tasting experience.
- Knappstein Wines – Known for its medal-winning wines and commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Clare Valley.
- Reillys Wines – Offering a range of award-winning, provincial, and handmade Clare Valley wines.
- Eldredge Vineyards – Offers picturesque views and a range of wines produced using 100% Clare Valley fruit.
- Mitchell Wines – Established in 1975, Mitchell Wines offers a fantastic tasting experience, showcasing a true Australian family-owned and run winery.
- Paulett Wines – Located in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley, Paulett Wines is owned and operated by winemaker Neil Paulett and his wife Alison.
What Wine is Clare Valley best known for?
The region’s cool climate and diverse soils make it ideal for growing a range of grape varieties, resulting in a diverse selection of high-quality wines.
The Clare Valley is best known for producing a variety of wine styles, including Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Riesling – Clare Valley is renowned for its Riesling, which is characterised by its floral aromatics, crisp acidity, and citrus flavours.
- Shiraz – The region also produces rich, full-bodied Shiraz with spicy and berry flavours.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied style, with rich blackcurrant flavours and firm tannins.
The 10 Best Wineries in the Clare Valley
The Clare Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, is home to some of the country’s most exciting wineries, offering a diverse range of cool-climate wines. Here, we explore some of the best wineries in the Clare Valley that you should consider for your next wine-tasting adventure.
1. Jim Barry Wines
Known for its strong resonance within the halls of Australian wine history, Jim Barry Wines is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. The winery is renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative approach to winemaking.
2. Koonowla Wines
With vines planted as far back as 1896, Koonowla Wines is a pioneering estate in the Clare Valley. The winery offers a unique blend of history and modern winemaking techniques, producing some of the region’s most acclaimed wines.
3. Claymore Wines
Combining music, wines, and football, Claymore Wines offers a unique and enjoyable tasting experience. The winery is known for its creative approach to naming its wines, with each one named after a popular song title.
4. Knappstein Wines
Building on a rich heritage, Knappstein Wines is known for its medal-winning wines. The winery is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Clare Valley.
5. Reillys Wines
Offering a range of award-winning, provincial, and handmade Clare Valley wines, Reillys Wines is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the diversity of the region’s wine production.
6. Eldredge Vineyards
Situated along the Spring Gully scenic drive route, Eldredge Vineyards offers picturesque views and a range of wines produced using 100% Clare Valley fruit. The winery’s cellar door and restaurant are housed in a 98-year-old stone cottage, offering a relaxed tasting experience.
7. Mitchell Wines
Established in 1975, Mitchell Wines offers a fantastic tasting experience, showcasing a true Australian family-owned and run winery. The winery presents stunning single vineyard Rieslings, as well as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Semillon.
8. Paulett Wines
Located in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley, Paulett Wines is owned and operated by winemaker Neil Paulett and his wifeAlison. The couple established the cellar door 35 years ago and offer a range of wines, including Shiraz and Riesling, as well as a Late Harvest Riesling, Sparkling Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec blend, and Cabernet Merlot.
9. Shut the Gate Wines
Shut the Gate Wines is a boutique winery that focuses on single site and small batch wines with personality and they express a sense of place. The cellar door is a quaint old general store and is full of artisan wine and food goodies. Shut the Gate Wines is a must visit for those who appreciate the road less travelled.
10. Sevenhill Cellars
As the oldest winery in the Clare Valley, Sevenhill Cellars has a rich history dating back to 1851 when it was established by the Jesuits. The winery is known for its sacramental wines and a diverse range of table wines that express the character of the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, the Clare Valley offers a wealth of wineries to explore. From award-winning Riesling to unique cool-climate varieties, there’s something for every wine lover in this region.
