The Clare Valley is a world-renowned wine region celebrated for its intensely aromatic and exceptionally long-lived dry Riesling. As a series of rolling hills north of Adelaide, this continental-climate region is a paradox—warm by day but cool at night, allowing it to craft white wines of incredible purity and drive. While Riesling is king, the Clare Valley also produces outstanding, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Region Type GI (Geographical Indication)
Famous For Bone-dry, age-worthy Riesling
Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
White Riesling
Climate Warm continental with high diurnal range
Soil Types Slate, limestone, clay, and red soil over limestone ('terra rossa')
Geography & Climate
The Clare Valley is not one single valley but a series of valleys at higher altitudes (400-500 meters) within the Mount Lofty Ranges. This elevation is the secret to its success. The warm, sunny days ensure the grapes ripen fully, while the dramatic drop in temperature at night preserves the grapes’ natural acidity.
This high diurnal range is crucial for crafting the classic Clare Valley style: intensely flavored but with a backbone of steely acidity.
Vines were first planted in the Clare Valley in the 1840s by European settlers, including English, Polish, and Irish immigrants. Jesuit priests at the Sevenhill winery were among the earliest and most influential producers.
The region quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality wines, especially Riesling, which found a perfect home in the valley’s slate-filled soils. The Clare Valley has remained a boutique region, dominated by family-owned wineries dedicated to expressing its unique terroir.
Located in the south, known for its limestone soils that produce fragrant and delicate Rieslings.
Famous for its slate soils, which create highly structured, mineral-driven, and exceptionally long-lived Rieslings.
A central area known for a balance of fruit and structure in its wines.
Clare Valley reds are elegant and structured. Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful yet refined, with classic notes of blackcurrant, mint, and cedar. Shiraz is more medium-bodied and savory than its Barossa counterpart, with fine tannins and flavours of blackberry and spice.
lare Valley Riesling is the benchmark for Australian dry Riesling. In its youth, it is vibrant and zesty, with powerful aromas of lime, lemon, and grapefruit, underpinned by a distinctive slate-like minerality. With age, it develops complex notes of honey, toast, and kerosene, evolving for decades in the bottle.
An iconic producer of Clare Valley Riesling, particularly from the Polish Hill River sub-region.
A pioneering family winery famous for its "The Armagh" Shiraz and benchmark Rieslings.
A historic, cult winery producing legendary, age-worthy reds from ancient, low-yielding vines.
A family-owned winery known for its classic and consistently excellent Rieslings.
A boutique producer with a popular restaurant, crafting classic Clare Riesling and reds.
Australia 
Grape Varieties