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- For the town in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, see Clare Valley, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines.
Vineyard scenery in the Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest and most famous wine regions, in the Mid North of South Australia. It is one of the most scenic regions, presenting visitors with a series of small
intimate valleys and magnificent views. The valley runs north-south, with Main North
Road as the main thoroughfare, approximately 120 km north of Adelaide.
Settlers from England, Ireland and Poland first moved into the region during the 1840s, producing a rich heritage of
architecture and villages, which remain largely intact. Many of these buildings now accommodate the generous offering of
guesthouses, premium restaurants and galleries. Vineyards were planted alongside those first
villages and winemaking has continued ever since.
Today visitors can take many touring routes, including the popular walking and cycling path the Riesling Trail. This 27 kilometre sealed trail provides a unique link between the villages of the valley
and its richly varied landscapes.
Soil and climate
Variation is the key word when describing the topography. The region contains valleys with
altitudes ranging from 300 to over 500 metres. The climate is moderately continental, with cool to cold nights and warm to hot summer
days. Rainfall is predominantly in winter -
spring (June - September) with an annual average of around 630 millimetres. Summers are
dry and make irrigation desirable but also ensure a minimum of fungal diseases. Varied soil
types throughout the valleys are another feature, ranging from red to brown grey over basement rock.
Grape varieties
Principal red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Both produce outstanding varietal wines, often with significant variations, which reflect
winemaking styles as well as the influences of the various sub-regions.
The most important white variety is Riesling, with the Clare Valley regarded as its
Australian home. There is a significant consistency in style and quality of Riesling wine in this region, which has won national
and international renown.
Riesling typically starts life as a floral, limey, slightly austere wine and quickly blossoms with tastes of passionfruit, orange blossom and a touch of lightly browned toast.
A number of have recently introduced alternative grape varieties, adding to the diversity of wine styles available.
Regional facts
The region has more than 40 wineries, most of which are small and produce only bottled wine.
- Area planted: 40 km²
- Annual Production: 1999: - 19,694, 2000:- 12,444
See also
External links
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