The Auswine Forum

My wife an I are thinking of visiting Clare for the long weekend.
Neither of us have ever been to Clare (we are from Adelaide).
Can anyone recommend accommodation ???
Also, what cellar doors are worth visiting ???

THX in advance.

Paul, what style of accommodation were you thinking and in what price range? I've stayed in nice self contained cabins for a very moderate price and some great B&Bs that were very romantic. Happy to advise specifics once you indicate.

For wineries I suggest you read Ric Einstein's tour diaries on torbwine.com chapters 8 & 9 from memory. These will give you a heap of info and some great tasting notes.

Unless you live in the north east of Adelaide, as far as the route to take - straight up Pt.Wakefield Rd to Mallalla, Balaklava, Halsey, Auburn. That's the shortest and very quick route avoiding most of northern suburbia.

If you only did one winery in Clare it would have to be Kilikanoon. This winery in recent years has really shown them how to make great wine right across the board of varieties and price. The Cafe there is excellent for lunch as well.

The rest are much of a muchness I find with people having personal favourites but none really standing out from the rest.

See if the tiny Clos Clare is open, a very good Shiraz and an excellent Riesling which are the only two wines they do. O'Leary Walker is new and not sure if their CD is open yet but those guys are really hitting runs. Their 2002 Adelaide Hills Pinot is worth trying.

Can I throw in a winery that I believe had some very good, moderately priced wines when I was in the Clare at Easter. They never seem to come up on anyones list.

Neagles Rock.

Graham