Clare, SA

Once known as ‘the garden of the north’, Clare is a real diamond in the dust, rich in history, tourism assets and the fruits of primary production.

Story + Photos Gabrielle Hall

Located on Ngadjuri land, about 130km north of Adelaide, Clare is synonymous with world-class wine. The region’s first vineyards were planted and wines produced in the early 1840s, and now the Clare Valley features just over 5000ha of vines. It is particularly renowned for riesling.

Two wineries/cellar doors operate within the town boundaries – the historic Knappstein and also Mr. Mick with its attached restaurant – with Shut the Gate, Greg Cooley, Jim Barry and Tim Adams sneaking in on the fringes. Greg Cooley Wines regularly hosts events bringing in performers such as Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Russell Morris and the Germein Sisters. Greg says while he enjoys good wine, food and music, the reward really is in seeing people enjoy themselves.

Long-term mayor of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, Allan Aughey OAM, describes the town as a “diamond in the dust”.

“The Clare township blends with nature around it. It just sits in our gorgeous little valley, blending into the hillsides and the blue gums and the Hutt River, which is the only northern flowing river in SA. There’s just something magical about it, even though it’s a commercial centre, and to some extent an industrial centre, it has kept the balance right.”