Region
Clare Valley
クレア・ヴァレー
The world-class home of iconic Australian Riesling.
South Australia's cooler elevated region producing Australia's finest Riesling with exceptional minerality and aging potential, and some excellent Shiraz.
Best for: Wine lovers who seek premium age-worthy Riesling and enjoy exploring boutique winery trails in historic countryside.
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Food Pairings
Fresh seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, roast chicken, grilled white fish, and aged hard cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Clare Valley most famous for?
- Clare Valley is most famous for its exceptional, age-worthy dry Riesling. The region produces around 20% of all Australian Riesling and consistently wins over 7% of all medals awarded for Australian wine despite contributing only 2% of the national grape crush.
- What is the climate like in Clare Valley?
- The region features a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation — warm days and cool nights. Its higher altitude compared to other South Australian regions ensures grapes ripen slowly and evenly, which is key to the region's characteristic precision and acidity.
- How long can Clare Valley Riesling age?
- Clare Valley Riesling is renowned for its exceptional aging potential. Most bottles benefit from 5–7 years of cellaring, and top examples can evolve beautifully for decades, developing complex petrol, toast, and honeyed notes over time.
- What red wines does Clare Valley produce?
- Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are the principal red varieties. Clare Valley Shiraz is typically full-flavoured with ripe blackberry, spice, and mint characteristics, while Cabernet Sauvignon shows firm tannins and dark fruit complexity.
- How old is winemaking in Clare Valley?
- Clare Valley's winemaking tradition dates back to the 1850s, when Jesuit priests established the first vineyards to produce sacramental wine, making it one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Today the region is home to over 48 wineries, most of which are small boutique producers.