Panorama south the Clare Valley
The first two wine-growing valleys in Australia located in the state of South Australia are very similar:
vineyards among palm trees and eucalyptus, good restaurants, friendly winegrowers ready to let you try their best bottles, and country lanes to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback.
Ok, all that's missing are a few 13th century churches and fortified villages to really believe you are in Burgundy!!
Barossa Valley
Domain of Seppelts
Our favorite activity: Visit the best of the Barossa Valley with a wine tasting
55 km north of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia's best-known wine regions.
Occupied since 1842 by a German Lutheran community, it is renowned for its fruity white wines (Riesling) and Shiraz, but also for its “wurst” (sausages) and German pastries!
Barossa Valley vineyards and mountains
The scenic route that connects Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston, the 3 main towns in the valley, allows you to fully appreciate the green and golden landscape of this region.
It will take you, around Nuriootpa to the Seppelts estate:
lined with 2000 palm trees, the vines are also dominated by a Greek temple, the family's burial vault!
The Barossa Valley has about 60 wineries, most of which also serve as restaurants, bed and breakfasts or picnic areas.
It concentrates, on its own, more than 50% of the national wine production and also produces excellent ports and sparkling wines for the great Australian occasions.
A few names of wineries not to be missed: Penfolds Wines in Nuriootpa, Henschke near Angaston and Bethany Wines in Tanunda.
Clare Valley
Clare Valley vineyards
The Clare Valley extends further north of the Barossa Valley, between the villages of Clare and Auburn.
It only takes part in 2,5% of Australian national production, but its wines are among the most renowned.
It is best known for producing one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world and Riesling (white wine) of excellent quality.
The first vineyard in the region was opened in 1851 by a community of Jesuits to ensure the production of mass wine in the valley!
Today the Sevenhill estate is still run by Jesuits, but it is especially famous for its Shiraz and its white wines.
During a tasting, you can visit the estate with its church and its vaulted cellar.
Church of St Aloysius, Sevenhill Estate
Finally, the “Riesling Trail” is an excellent way to take part in all the tastings in the valley without putting your driving license at risk!!!
Fully marked and equipped, you can follow this hiking trail on foot, by bike or on horseback over more than 25 km and thus visit the majority of the cellars and villages of the region.
Useful information
The Barossa and Clare Valleys are 1-2 hours drive from Adelaide.
It is possible to take part in an organized tour from Adelaide for a day, but all the farms welcome visitors freely every day from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m. for free tastings!
So don't deprive yourself!
Do not hesitate to buy wine directly from the property. The bottles are often less expensive (1st "good" price = 15€) but above all available!
Indeed, the wine of South Australia, especially that of the Clare Valley, is not distributed on a large scale in Australia or in Europe.
It can be found in Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney, and sometimes in England for the most famous.
Barossa Valley Tourist Office (map, accommodation and all information!)
Penfolds Estate
Henschke Estate
Domain of Seppelt
Clare Valley Tourist Office (accommodation, tours and festival)
Sevenhill Estate
Marjolaine Chaintreau © Azureva.com
