Sampling the best drops in the Clare Valley is made easy when travelling along the Riesling Trail.
This 35 kilometre track runs from Auburn to Clare, located only a two hour drive from Adelaide. Walkers and bikers are welcome to traverse the path, and there are several bike hire options available in both townships.
There are three loop trails to choose from on the Riesling Trail, each passing many cellar doors and attractions which celebrate the grape and wine variety that makes this region so famous – the Riesling! Whether you’re planning on completing the entire trail, or sticking to a single loop, you’ll be following an old railway corridor dating back to the 1860s.
Spring Gully Loop (17km)
The first loop of the trail kicks off near Clare, home to historic cellar doors, restaurants and several tourist attractions. From here, you’ll be pedalling through the Skilly Hills and out past Spring Gully Conservation Park. Make sure to keep an eye out for kookaburras and kangaroos along the way, as they’re known to inhabit this region.
There are several different wineries to stop at along the way, the first of which being Shut the Gate Wines, a small producer offering tastings of their single-site varieties. With a hearty gas fire and garden to explore, you’ll want to spend the good part of an afternoon here.
Travelling a further 3 km along the loop, you will come to Sussex Squire Wines, a family-owned business focused on growing small parcels of red varieties. After chatting with the friendly team, head to Eldredge Wines for a sample of its internationally recognised wines. Plus, stop in at the Providore Store to pick up supplies for a D.I.Y picnic or platter overlooking the vineyards.
Continuing along Spring Gully Conservation Park, the Cascades Walk is a 40-minute return trek through woodlands to a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and break up the tastings with some time amongst nature.
Hopping back on the saddle, riders will eventually reach the historic township of Sevenhill, which offers B&B accommodation and dining options. Here, check out the Sevenhill Hotel for an extensive collection of top local wines and beers, as well as a curated seasonal food menu celebrating the region’s best producers.
John Horrocks Loop (10.3km)
The second loop on the Riesling Trail, John Horrocks begins where you left off in Sevenhill. Start at Good Catholic Girl Wines, a small vineyard open on weekends. As you head out further along the trail, you’ll come to a Clare Valley staple, Skillogalee Winery & Restaurant. This local institution is housed in a historic 1800s stone cottage where visitors are welcome for a delicious lunch. Look out across rolling hills and vineyards, indulge in a wine tasting, or even stay the night at one of several boutique lodgings on site.
Once you’ve had your fill, the next stop on the loop is less than a kilometre away at Mitchell Wines. Enjoy a guided tasting in the 1890s cellar door, or purchase a local produce picnic for a romantic afternoon in the gardens. The exclusive range of reds and whites on offer here are hard to beat.
Continuing along the track, your next stop is Penna Lane Wines, a small award-winning vineyard. At the cellar door, you’re invited to sample the entire range of wines, including some not offered on the website.
Just next door, Kilikanoon Wines offers several tasting experiences including a six-wine flight in a private tasting room, with the chance to sample Kilikanoon’s most renowned wine, the Revelation. From there, it’s just a 3.5km ride to Penwortham, where you can ride back to Sevenhill for a well-earned rest, or continue on to the third loop for even more tasting experiences.
Father Rogalski Loop (17km)
Perhaps the most difficult part of the Riesling Trail, this loop offers breathtaking views across the valley for those brave cyclists willing to take it on. The first stop on this final trail is Sevenhill Cellars, the first winery built in the Clare Valley and a picturesque venue offering wine tastings and grazing plates to be enjoyed on the 90-hectare property. If you’re looking to break up the wine tastings with a bit of history, St Aloysius’ Church is located on site, with its historic crypt and stunning stained-glass windows constructed in 1875.
Continue riding to find Paulett Wines, boasting one of the best rieslings around. Here, you’re invited to dine at the award-winning Bush DeVine Restaurant, located on a deck overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. The head chef crafts a rotating seasonal menu, finding inspiration from bush tucker flavours, local producers and the on-site Australian native garden. Of course, you can also try the collection of small-batch wines at the cellar door.
Cycling the Polish Hill Road for another 2.5 kilometres will lead you to The Wilson Vineyard, dedicated to its range of unfiltered, minimal handling wines. Each year, one South Australian artist is selected to design the label for the Wilson Vineyard Polish Hill River Riesling.
From here, it’s only 400-metres to the iconic Pikes Wines, a family owned vineyard producing internationally renowned drops. It’s also the location of Pikes Beer Co and Slate Restaurant, where you can enjoy a modern Australian menu which has garnered a long list of awards and accolades.
Continuing the journey
Of course, there’s more to see on the Riesling Trail than can be covered on these three loops. As you make your way closer to Auburn, there are several more vineyards and wineries well worth a try.
Velvet & Willow is a charming cellar door, cafe and pantry between Watervale and Auburn, offering artisan coffee and fresh-baked treats to fuel your day of cycling. Surrounded by an idyllic garden, it’s so pretty you’ll want to spend the whole morning here.
A little further out of the way, Taylors Wines remains one of Australia’s most iconic producers, its grounds home to cellar door wine tastings, a sculpture garden and more. For three generations, this family has crafted truly great local wines.
When you reach Auburn, there are accommodation and dining options to suit all needs, plus plenty of other things to see and do.
To discover the top hotels and restaurants in the Clare Valley, click here.
