6 essential Clare Valley experiences

Posted 24 September, 2020 Samuel Smith

Just a 2-hour drive from Adelaide lies a land of winemaking monks, golden fields and sprawling 19th century manors. What, you may ask, is the name of this mysterious land? They call it the Clare Valley.   From the bold, rich reds of the Barossa and McLaren Vale to the Adelaide Hills’ crisp whites, we all know South Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to wine regions. But for some reason, the Clare Valley is often overlooked.   While most of us are aware of its world-famous Riesling and gorgeous cycling trail, there’s so much more to discover, bubbling away under the surface. Boasting exceptional paddock-to-plate dining, boutique cellar doors, historic towns and stunning scenery, the Clare Valley offers so much more than many of us give it credit for. Here are our top Clare Valley picks for travellers with an adventurous spirit and a discerning palate.  

Dine

1. The Watervale Hotel

With a pumping atmosphere, stunning fit-out and some of the best food and wine in the region, the recently reopened Watervale Hotel is an absolute must-visit. Run by life-and-business partners Nicola Palmer and Warrick Duthy, everything about the immaculately refreshed hotel is a labour of love.     General Manager and Head Chef Nicola is a master of many trades, leading the Watervale’s interior and exterior design while creating a stunning menu that acts as culinary map of the region. The Watervale’s menu is driven by organic produce, farmed just around the corner at their own patch of land: Penobscot Farm. Whether you’re dining off the menu or sitting down to an exclusive Chef’s Table Experience, the Watervale’s food is nothing short of phenomenal. Think plump Spencer Gulf Prawns wrapped in peppery broad bean leaf, succulent Greenslade chicken with Jerusalem artichoke puree and Tasmanian ocean trout topped with finger lime, mandarin and lemon.     Of course, there’s wine to match, and plenty of it. Just ask sommelier, Warrick Duthy. In his own words, “We are creating a showcase for all Clare Valley wines at The Watervale Hotel. We aim to have all Clare Valley wine producers and all varieties grown in the valley represented on our list to demonstrate the diversity of the region.” What more could you ask? The Watervale Hotel also includes on-site accommodation. Learn more.