Clare Valley

ABOUT THIS REGION The Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, best known for Riesling wines. It lies in the Mid North of South Australia, approximately 120km north of Adelaide. The valley runs north-south, with Horrocks Highway as the main thoroughfare. The original inhabitants of the Clare Valley were the Ngadjuri people. It is believed that they had major camping sites at Clare and Auburn, as well as other areas outside the valley. Rich historical seams run throughout the Clare Valley. The galleries and museums pay homage to those bygone days. Copper found in Kapunda in 1838 shaped the early history of the region. Within 30 years, Burra’s Monster Mine was the world’s biggest mine. The Clare Valley Region today hosts a vibrant, diversified rural community and economy. The delightful rolling hills create beautiful landscapes, dotted with wonderful stone buildings. Notable among the nearby ranges are the Skilly Hills. Clare Valley is home to an emerging gourmet food scene, an opportunity to taste the best locally grown produce served in beautiful historic buildings. Trails are popular in the Clare Valley. Walk or cycle the gentle gradients past woodland cottages to secluded picnic sports, wineries and restaurants. Park the car and take a “looped” trail. Explore conservation parks to see giant 50,000 year old wombat fossils, stunning native wildflowers and majestic colonial homes such as Martindale Hall. There are boutique businesses in historic bluestone buildings. Markets sell produce made using antique presses and grindstone “technology.” From olive oil to saltbush lamb, Clare Valley produce is not just about fancy branding. The Clare Valley has been making wine since the first grapes were planted in 1851. Today there are more than 40 cellar doors along a narrow 40 kilometre corridor, between Auburn and Clare. The towns are spaced closely together. INDUSTRY RESOURCES Regional Tourism Website : Welcome to Clare Valley Regional Tourism Website : South Australia Research and Statistics : South Australian Tourism Commission Local Councils : Local Government Association of SA CREDITS Information Source : Wikipedia Information Source : South Australia Image Credit : Old Cottage, Clare Valley : SATC : Neil Winter Regional Map : Copyright 2014 GoPanda Communications GoPanda