15 Of The Must-Visit Clare Valley Wineries

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

Clare Valley might be one of South Australia’s more humble wine regions, but there’s plenty to love in this charming and historic slice of Oz. Scattered along a fertile valley just 90 minutes north of Adelaide, Clare Valley wineries are known for their world-famous riesling, as well as red varietals including shiraz and cabernet. Like their most famous drop, the best wineries in Clare Valley are beautiful in their unassuming subtly, offering a delicious pay-off for those willing to take their time and appreciate the quiet magic of the place.

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

1. Tim Adams Wines

One of our favourite Clare Valley wineries, the relaxed Tim Adams Wines is nestled among the gum trees in Clare. Sit on the balcony and taste a selection of five single-vineyard varietals paired with cheeses designed to complement and enhance the flavours of the drop ($35 per person).

biking along gum trees in Tim Adams Wines — Wind your way through the gum trees at Tim Adams Wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

The riesling is popular, but our personal pick is the crisp and peachy pinot gris – perfect drinking for a warm summer evening. Bookings are recommended, especially during the peak season (December – February).

friends drinking al fresco at Tim Adams Wines — The al fresco spot is perfect for warm summer drinking. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 156 Warenda Rd, Clare

2. Jim Barry Wines

It’s well worth a visit to the cellar door of family-run Jim Barry Wines , which has been producing award-winning wines for over 60 years.

Famed for The Armagh shiraz, a succulent red that retails for about $400 a bottle, and the more affordable Florita riesling ($60), this is Australian winemaking at its finest.

pouring red wine into a glass at Jim Barry Wines — Jim Barry Wines is Australian winemaking at its finest. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Standard visits to the chic cellar door cost $20 per person and must be booked in advance, while more premium tastings and wine experiences are on offer for those looking to experience the full range of Jim Barry’s finest.

the front facade of Jim Barry Wines — Book a premium tasting experience at Jim Barry Wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 33 Craig Hill Road, Clare

3. Shut the Gate Wines

The friendly folks at Shut the Gate specialise in small-batch wines, producing a range of varieties including the classics – dry Clare rieslings, pinot gris, chardonnay, shiraz, grenache, cabernet – as well as funkier drops such as fiano, sangiovese, barbera, negroamaro and tempranillo.

a woman pouring wine into a glass inside the cellar door of Shut the Gate Wines — Shut the Gate offers generous free tastings. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Located between Clare and Sevenhill, Shut the Gate offers generous free tastings and wine by the glass, as well as self-selected grazing platters from the charming providore on site.

people wine tasting in the outdoor garden area of Shut the Gate Wines — Nab a table outside. (Image: Tourism Australia/ South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 8453 Main N Rd, Clare

4. Mr. Mick Cellar Door

The gorgeous, vine-covered facade of Mr. Mick Cellar Door creates the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon at one of the best wineries in Clare Valley. Mr. Mick is owned by Tim Adams and named after the late K.H. (Mr. Mick) Knappstein, the legendary Aussie winemaker who was Adams’ friend and mentor.

the exterior of Mr. Mick Cellar Door — Mr. Mick Cellar Door is the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The site holds a special significance, having been in the Knappstein family from 1894 until the mid-70s. Tim Adams and his wife Pam Goldsack then purchased it in 2010 and set up Mr. Mick to reinvigorate the beautiful property and honour the legacy of their friend. The perfect place to stop for lunch.

a selection of wine presented in a row for tasting at Mr. Mick Cellar Door — Enjoy a wine-tasting at Mr. Mick Cellar Door. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 7 Dominic Street, Clare

5. Sevenhill Cellars

When it comes to choosing Clare Valley wineries, Sevenhill Cellars is a must.

This historic property was the first winery in Clare Valley, dating back to the mid-19th century when a group of Jesuit priests who had recently emigrated to Australia purchased the land and began to establish their Mission.

an aerial view of Sevenhill Cellars at sunrise — Sevenhill Cellars was the first winery in Clare Valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Grapevines were planted in 1851 and five years later the first batches of Sacramental wine were produced. Today, you can visit the beautiful St Aloysius church and spooky crypt, explore the lush gardens, and taste the sweet Sacramental Wine, as well as more modern varietals. Wine tastings are $10–$20 per person.

the St Aloysius church and lush gardens at Sevenhill Cellars — Sevenhill Cellars is a must-visit. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Address: 111C College Rd, Sevenhill

6. Jeanneret Wines

A visit to Jeanneret Wines can be encapsulated by the motto of the brand itself: ‘naturally perfect’. The family of winemakers, who have been producing tasty drops since 1992, pay homage to their ancestor – the renowned modernist architect and artist, Le Corbusier (Charles Jeanneret) – who popularised ‘the Golden Ratio’ back in the 1920s.

Enjoying a crisp glass of wine at their stunning cellar door is about as close to natural perfection as you can get!

friends sitting outside while enjoying drinks at Jeanneret Wines — Relax in the outdoor garden with a wine in hand. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 22 Jeanneret Rd, Sevenhill

7. Pikes Wines

If you’re looking for good food and good wine, look no further. Known as one of the best Clare Valley restaurants, the hatted Slate Restaurant at Pikes is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday, and dinner on Saturday nights. The five-course shared menu is $82 per person, with $30 per person extra for a wine pairing.

a look inside Slate Restaurant at Pikes Wines — Slate Restaurant at Pikes is one of the best Clare Valley restaurants. (Image: Pikes Wines)

If you miss out on a table, visit the cellar door for a seated wine tasting seven days a week (booking essential) and try their famous ‘traditionale’ riesling – it’s truly world-class.

food and wine on the dinner table at Pikes Wines — Try Pikes Wines’ famous ‘traditionale’ riesling. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill

8. Skillogalee Wines

The gorgeous Skillogalee is one the best Clare Valley wineries to while away an afternoon in the sunshine. The cellar door backs onto a decadent garden, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and vineyards alongside your tasting.

the grape vines at Skillogalee Wines — While away an afternoon in the sun at Skillogalee Wines. (Image: John Montesi)

Skillogalee also offers a gourmet lunch menu featuring local produce and, naturally, a wine pairing for each dish. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking ahead as availability is limited.

the surrounding vineyard at Skillogalee Wines — Soak up spectacular views of the surrounding hills and vineyards at Skillogalee Wines. (Image: John Montesi)

Address: 23 Trevarrick Rd, Sevenhill

9. Reilly’s Wines

The heritage-listed Reilly’s Cellar Door and Restaurant in Mintaro is a fab spot to stop if you’re heading to the historic town of Mintaro.

Reilly’s has a great selection of Clare Valley wines, including sparkling, red, white and fortified, as well as a selection of morning teas.

old people dining outside Reilly’s Wines — Reilly’s has a great selection of Clare Valley wines. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: Cnr Hill St & Leasingham Rd, Mintaro

10. clos Clare

It might not be the south of France, but this boutique winery in a beautiful old homestead comes pretty close.

biking around clos Clare — clos Clare resembles a French-style homestead. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

clos Clare is the newest venture from the Barry family, owned and run by third-generation winemakers Tom and Sam Barry (grandsons of pioneering winemaker Jim Barry). The cellar door is open on weekends for sit-down tastings!

friends drinking wine by the balcony at Jim Barry Wines — clos Clare is the newest venture from the Barry family. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 45 Old Road, Watervale

11. O’Leary Walker Wines

Slick O’Leary Walker offers a range of tasting options at their scenic cellar door in Leasingham, including a wine and chocolate pairing that’s outrageously good.

a woman enjoying her wine-tasting meals at O’Leary Walker Wines — Sip on the finest wine at O’Leary Walker Wines.

Address: 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare

12. Kilikanoon Wines

A picnic on the grass at pretty Kilikanoon is a must if you’ve got a weekend or more visiting Clare Valley wineries.

two people exploring Kilikanoon Wines — Kilikanoon Wines is surrounded by verdant greenery. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission / Adam Bruzzone)

Choose six out of 20 wines when you select their classic wine tasting ($20 per person) or opt for the 60–90 minute ‘Revelation Experience’, where you get to taste Kilikanoon’s most outstanding varietals and learn about what makes this region so distinct ($100 per person).

picnic on the grass at Kilikanoon Wines — Taste Kilikanoon’s most outstanding varietals. (Image: Kilikanoon Wines)

Address: 6962 Horrocks Highway (Main North Road) Leasingham

13. Claymore Wines

The football-loving folks at Claymore Wines know the secret to good wine is having a little fun. With wines named after iconic songs such as Bittersweet Symphony (cabernet sauvignon) and Dark Side of the Moon (shiraz), you’ll enjoy the tasting experience as much as the delicious drops they offer.

Everyone’s welcome at Claymore, including kiddos and four-legged friends, and bookings are only required for groups of eight or more.

the wine tasting room inside the cellar door of Claymore Wines — Step into Claymore Wines’ cellar door tasting room. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)

Address: 7145 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham

14. Taylors Wines

Taylors Wines is one of Australia’s largest wine producers, and its luxe cellar door and winery in Clare Valley is certainly one of the best.

The cellar door offers a wide range of wine flights and tasting experiences (between $5 and $40 per person), as well as wine by the glass and delicious grazing platters, seven days a week.

a food platter with two glasses of wine at Taylors Wines — Taylors Wines is one of Australia’s largest wine producers. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 89A Winery Rd, Auburn SA 5451

15. Grosset Wines

We’re big fans of the understated Grosset Wines , where small batches of beautiful single-vineyard wines are produced.

Grosset has four high-country vineyards in the Clare Valley at Polish Hill, Rockwood, Spring Vale and Gaia, all of which offer a cooler climate to produce the elegant, fresh and beautifully balanced wines for which they have become known. Our pick is the immensely drinkable Springvale riesling ($55), but you really can’t go wrong with a bottle of Grosset.

a man strolling along the vineyard at Grosset Wines — With a cooler climate, Grosset produces elegant, fresh and beautifully balanced wines.

Address: Cnr. Archer Street and Stanley Street, Auburn

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

15 of the must-visit Clare Valley wineries

We’ve scoped out the place and pulled together the 15 best Clare Valley wineries and cellar doors for you to explore.

1. Tim Adams Wines

2. Jim Barry Wines

3. Shut the Gate Wines

4. Mr. Mick Cellar Door

5. Sevenhill Cellars

6. Jeanneret Wines

7. Pikes Wines

8. Skillogalee Wines

9. Reilly’s Wines

10. clos Clare

11. O’Leary Walker Wines

12. Kilikanoon Wines

13. Claymore Wines

14. Taylors Wines

15. Grosset Wines

8 of the best places to stay in the Clare Valley

10 Clare Valley restaurants to book

The ultimate guide to the Clare Valley Riesling Trail

7 of the best things to do in the Clare Valley

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast