48 Hours in the Clare Valley
The Clare Valley Wine Region is right up there with one of my favourite wine regions in South Australia. Our first trip to the Valley was in 2015, and that’s where we fell in love (you can see all about our first visit here). Clare, around 150kms from Adelaide, is a region offering everything you could want and need. There’s rolling hills lined with vineyards, incredible eateries and dozens of cellar doors and breweries.
We visited just recently in the thick of winter. My golly was it chilly, but as always, so beautiful. Having not been to the Valley for over 3 years, it was great to see and explore plenty of new places (and old gems) which quickly became favourites and highlights of the trip. Here’s how it all went down..
We rested the head at the Discovery Park Clare and Bed in a Shed Too
We stayed at two different places in Clare, firstly at the Discovery Park in a Deluxe Cabin. The cabin was roomy, slept 6 and was surrounded by massive gumtrees, giving it that real country feel. Loads of room made it the perfect place for families, as well as a pool, bouncing pillow and grassed area for the little ones to get off the iPads and burn off some energy.
The second night we stayed in the the most quirky and quaint accommodation in Clare- Bed in a Shed Too. This luxury accommodation is unique and boutique, set on 15 acres in the most stunning surrounds. We were treated to beds we didn’t want to get out of, gourmet breakfast provisions, a record player, a breathtaking sunset and woodfire heating. What more could a girl need?!
Platters and wine at O’Leary Walker Wines
This winery has stellar views over the vineyards and hills, as well as an impeccable cellar door and dining area. The wine tasting list is long, filled with a selection of whites and reds and even bubbles. We loved their Shiraz and their Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay. Our visit coincided with lunch time, we pulled up a seat by the window, soaked in the view and devoured a Ploughman’s Platter and Duck Pate. The platter was filled to the brim with prosciutto, salami, picked vegetables, breads, lavosh, cheeses and condiments. The pate came on the side with its own bread and caramelized onions, and let me tell you, it’s worth every cent. Incredibly creamy, full of flavor and damn delicious. The other half thinks it’s one of the best he’s ever had.
Counted our blessings at Good Catholic Girl Wines
Eclectic, cosy and very catholic. This winery caught my eye as soon as we pulled into the carpark- nestled in an old stone cottage, it’s white washed walls and cute gardens suckered me in. It continued as soon as we walked into the cellar door when we were greeted by ‘Mini’ the resident wine dog and the most funniest staff. There was nothing but great conversation, plenty of laughs and puns, pats for Mini and a defrosting by the fire in this cellar door. We left with a bottle of ‘Limbo’, but to be honest we could have bought each one on the list. Easy to say that this was our favourite cellar door that we visited in the Valley.
Drank some damn good red at Shut The Gate
We visited this cellar door when it was in it’s old location, but I’m happy to report that their new pozzie is just as beautiful. The interior had me swooning- velvet couches, moody lighting, the biggest wine rack I have ever seen and plenty of indoor plants. They even have a small providore filled with gourmet products and produce. I’ll just move in thanks. We had dabbled in their wine before, but ‘just incase’ it had changed we had to try them again. Can confirm that they are still fabulous. Big winners included their Shiraz (a steal at only $21.00 a bottle) and their Tempranillo. We opted for a glass of red at the end of the tasting, took up the couches by the wood fire and snacked on our complementary cheese platter- how can you don’t love a winery that gives you free cheese. We visited in winter, but in summer they have a huge outdoor area filled with umbrellas, plenty of seating and a lovely outlook. We will be coming back in the warmer months for sure.
Eat some of the best Indian food at Indii of Clare
If you are looking for casual but delicious dining then you need to pop into Indii. The cooler weather had us craving homely and hot food and Indii hit the spot. Their curries were incredible- we loved the Rogan Josh and their super garlicy naan’s. They also offer traditional Indian desserts, as well as Dessert Naan (YUM!). They also offer takeaway if you’re keen on spending the night in, but the customer service here was fantastic so I totally recommend staying put.
Start the morning right at the Watervale General Store
This is not your average general store. Yes you can expect a post office, picnic supplies and the typical odds and ends. But you can also expect local produce, homewares, knitted goods and one of the best Egg, Bacon and Chutney Rolls getting around. It was so big that I couldn’t even eat it- shameful I know. The Store also offers a larger brekky menu on the weekend, as well as healthier options like granola and make a mean latte. I’d definitely visit again for a feed.
Hang out (with a coffee in hand) at Velvet and Willow’s Pantry and Cellar Door
I’m going to go ahead and call it, but Velvet and Willow’s pantry makes the best coffee in the Valley. It seems that i’m not the only one with that opinion, as there were plenty of locals rushing in and out the doors in the morning. The Pantry stocks a range of light meal options, from muffins to toasties and gluten free treats. Their downstairs lounge area complete with a woodfire is so cosy, and when the sun is out, their courtyard dining area is blissful.
Lunch with a view at Skillogalee
We visited here a few years ago, and to be honest, nothings changed. The service is impeccable, the food consistently delivers, the view is picture perfect and the wine- well the wine is just brilliant. We sat under the verandah, where a hour slowly rolled into two, devouring homemade Pies, their pasta and Chocolate Rosemary Icecream. An added bonus was that we found them in the Entertainment Book, so of course we spent our savings on wine.
Having one that turns into three at Jeanneret Wines/Clare Valley Brewing Company
It’s been a long time since we visited the CVBC, but we glad we revisited as their new digs are the bomb. Sharing the cellar door with Jeanneret Wines, this sleek and modern cellar door offers a tasting experience in a beautiful location. I dabbled in Jeanneret’s whites, and fell in love with their Riesling and one of a kind Rose. The other half went straight for the beer taps and dabbled in a paddle. He loves all their beers, but particularly loved the Extra Stout. We planned on only visiting for a tasting, but ended up soaking up the sun on the deck in front of the fire, were a paddle turned into three pints, and the rest was history. If you are going to visit any cellar door in the Valley, this is one not to be missed.
Devouring three courses of pure brilliance at Seed Winehouse and Kitchen
Seed has been on my radar for a long time now so to be able to finally get my bum on a seat was pure joy. It completely lived up to the hype- the interior, the brilliant service, the gin list (my god the gin list is good) and the food- well it has to be experienced to know how good it is. We opted for three courses, an entree, main and dessert, and we could have rolled home we were so full. I loved their ‘Pea and Ham Soup Gnocchi’, Saltbush Lamb and Seasonal Fruit Tarte Tatin and the other half raved on about his Pine Smoked Kingfish. This place is definitely a must visit when you’re in the area if you are looking for the ultimate foodie experience.
Have you ever visited the Clare Valley before? Where were your favourite places to eat, drink and play? I’d love to know- drop me a line in the comments below.
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