Clare Valley, South Australia - Wine, Heritage & Country Charm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TXGLobPiwY

Clare Valley, South Australia - Wine, Heritage & Country Charm

The Clare Valley is one of South Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, best known for producing some of the world’s finest cool-climate Rieslings. With more than 30 cellar doors scattered across rolling vineyards, historic stone villages and quiet country roads, it’s a destination that invites you to slow down and savour every stop.

Located just 140 kilometres north of Adelaide, the Clare Valley is as much about the journey as the destination. Scenic drives wind through golden farmland, rugged hills and picturesque valleys, revealing charming towns, heritage buildings, gourmet produce and welcoming cellar doors along the way. Add in a fascinating history, a thriving food scene and beautiful rural landscapes, and it’s easy to see why the Clare Valley is one of South Australia’s most rewarding weekend escapes. Here are our Top 5 Things to Do in the Clare Valley.

Step Back in Time at Martindale Hall

Just outside the historic village of Mintaro, Martindale Hall stands as one of the Clare Valley’s most iconic heritage landmarks. This grand Georgian-style mansion was built between 1878 and 1880 for Edmund Bowman Junior at a cost of £30,000 and features 32 beautifully preserved rooms.

Open for self-guided tours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (excluding Tuesdays), Martindale Hall offers a fascinating glimpse into South Australia’s colonial past. As you wander through its elegant rooms, you’ll encounter period furnishings, ornate décor and architectural details spanning the late 1800s to early 1900s. Each room tells a story of ambition, wealth and life in a bygone era, making this a must-visit for history lovers exploring the Clare Valley.

Experience Outback Heritage at Bungaree Station

Established in 1841 by George Hawker and his brothers, Bungaree Station quickly became one of Australia’s most important sheep stations and played a major role in shaping the nation’s wool industry. Today, this iconic property remains a working farm and offers visitors a chance to step into South Australia’s pioneering past.

Self-guided tours are available daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Wander through the Station Store, Stableyards, Homestead Gardens, St Michael’s Church and the historic Woolshed, each revealing stories of early settlement, hard work and rural life. Bungaree Station is a wonderful place to experience authentic pastoral heritage set against the peaceful landscapes of the Clare Valley.

Discover Clare Valley Wineries & Cellar Doors

Exploring the Clare Valley wineries is an experience in itself. Scenic country roads lead you from one cellar door to the next, each set among vineyards, stone buildings and sweeping rural views. With more than 30 wineries across the region, you’ll find everything from crisp Rieslings and elegant Shiraz to boutique blends and limited-release wines.

Many cellar doors offer beautifully curated regional platters featuring local cheeses, olives, breads and produce, making it easy to turn a tasting into a long, relaxed lunch. Along the way, passionate winemakers and cellar door hosts are happy to share stories about their vines, families and winemaking traditions — a big part of what makes the Clare Valley such a welcoming and memorable wine destination.

👉 Click here to book a Clare Valley Wine Tasting Tour

Visit Sevenhill Cellars, the Valley’s Oldest Winery

Sevenhill Cellars holds a special place in Clare Valley history as the region’s first winery, established in 1851 by Jesuit priests to produce sacramental wine. Today, it remains one of the valley’s most atmospheric and meaningful wine destinations.

Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sevenhill Cellars invites visitors to enjoy wine tastings or simply wander the peaceful grounds. Highlights include the Underground Cellar, the historic St Aloysius’ Church and crypt, and the Weikert House. Surrounded by some of the oldest vineyards in the Clare Valley, Sevenhill offers a powerful reminder of just how deeply rooted the region’s winemaking story truly is.

Explore Burra withthe Heritage Passport

The historic town of Burra is a treasure trove of South Australia’s mining heritage, and the best way to explore it is with the Burra Heritage Passport. Available from the Burra Visitor Centre, this unique experience allows you to explore the town at your own pace.

With your passport key, you can unlock 11 heritage sites across Burra, including the Burra Mine area, Redruth Gaol, the atmospheric Unicorn Brewery Cellars, Miners Dugouts and several informative museums.

Each site reveals stories of the people, industry and ingenuity that shaped this remarkable town, making the Heritage Passport a hands-on and immersive journey into Burra’s rich past.

Why the Clare Valley Is Worth the Journey

The Clare Valley is a region that rewards those who take their time. From historic homesteads and working stations to welcoming wineries and beautifully preserved towns, every stop tells a story. Whether you’re sipping Riesling among the vines, exploring colonial landmarks or wandering heritage streets, the Clare Valley offers a perfect blend of wine, history and country charm.

It’s a destination made for relaxed weekends, scenic drives and slow discovery — and one that leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve returned home.

👉  Click here for more things to do in South Australia

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us cover website costs and continue sharing real travel experiences from the road.