Clare Valley

Given that I write this blog, I can indulge in a little time travel.  Back to late December 2011.  And a few days in the Clare Valley.  Clare Valley is lovely in its own right, but the Riesling produced there?  The best.  And I discovered there are basically 2 varieties - one where the vines get their flavour from the soil, the other where the roots have to go down to the limestone ridge to find moisture - the flavours here are intense.

Skillogalee was in a lovely position, and the small cellar door was also a bustling restaurant.  So bustling, it was pretty hard to get a chance to taste their wines.    And no need, they are lovely.  I just wanted to be having lunch there..

Next down Hughes Park Road was Kilkanoon.    I recall it was lovely, but given the months in between, not a lot else.  However, the next photo was in a very special place:

O'Leary Walker Wines have built on a gorgeous spot on top of a hill overlooking the southern end of the Valley.  Their riesling?  Great also.   The lawns going down from the hill here were fun for the kids tumbling down.  And for a relaxing place to have a plate of cheese.

Have a look at the backdrop.  I've not been to Tuscany, but Clare Valley?  Seems pretty good to me, and underated when compared to neighbouring Barossa.

Knappstein Winery is right in the town of Clare.  Love the gum tree too.  Their wine is never bad.  To be very honest, there was not a lot of point in going to Clare Valley vineyards to taste the Rieslings.  They are all wonderful.  The one I have fallen out of love with is Pikes, and their winery is very clinical, but the following photo is for Hugo.  This was one of only 2 auto wine tasting dispensers in the country.  Perfet portion.  Perfect temperature. 

Some other vineyards - Petaluma, would have loved to visit, but couldn't find it even with the map.  Tim Adams?  Good, but not great.  Tim Gramp?  Not open.  Jim Barry - a little outdated, but the recent prices have been very nice.  But the standout for the lovely view (above), friendliness, and delightful wine was Pauletts.

I was so excited to see that the Tour Down Under was going through the Clare Valley, but the TV images were only overhead.  Still good.



The Riesling Trail is a fabulous walking/cycleway through the Valley. At 35km, it is a fair walk.   In December 2011, it was a little warm to do, but there is always next time.  And I hope there will be a next time.