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SA’s Riesling Capital: 15 of the Best Wineries in Clare Valley
The best wineries in Clare Valley are a harmonious blend of rich history, a deep passion for the craft, and impeccable Riesling, each telling its own story through every glass.
Clare Valley – a stunning little region with a big reputation. It’s baffling that this haven, home to some of Australia’s most celebrated wines, remains largely untouched by the masses. But for those in the know, it’s a reward worth seeking: rolling hills dotted with sun-kissed vines, charming towns frozen in time, and wines that’ll make you fall in love.
With over 150 years of winemaking history, Clare Valley is a world-class destination. From legendary Riesling to unforgettable cellar doors, this place is a must for wine lovers. A 90-minute drive from Adelaide, but good luck leaving once you’ve tasted it.
Sitchu Spotlight: Dining in Clare
Before we dive into the best wineries for a crisp Riesling, we must take a moment to inform you that dining in Clare is just as impressive as the wine produced. And don’t just take our word for it. One of the world’s most influential and respected media companies, Condé Nast, has recently placed Clare Valley at the top of a global list of the Best Places to Eat in 2025. Finding a place among the boundary-breaking dishes in Dubai, timeless traditions in Genoa, and meals served under the Northern Lights in Norway, this is a truly impressive—and deserved—feat.
The best news? Some of the most magnificent restaurants are found within the wineries, combining world-class vino with globally acknowledged dining. From seasonal dishes at Skillogalee Estate’s cottage restaurant, garden-to-plate freshness at Pikes Slate Restaurant, SA-proud dishes at Paulett Wines Bush DeVine Restaurant, to hyper-local grazing platters at Clare’s first winery, Seven Hill, this is regional dining done right.
Beyond the wineries, the Watervale Hotel is one of the most iconic establishments in South Australia, with more than 30 awards for its intimate and ethical degustations at Penobscot Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Nicola Palmer. Authentic Italian can be found at the rustic Ragu & Co in the form of housemade arancini, ravioli and a classic tiramisu, and for a light bite and a chat with locals for more foodie recommendations, make a beeline for The Uppside.
Whether you take a self-drive tasting tour or build up an appetite cycling along the infamous 35km Riesling Trail, rest assured, your Clare experience will be one to remember.
Best Wineries in Clare Valley
Greg Cooley Wines
Greg Cooley Wines, a family-owned winery in the heart of the Clare Valley, crafts limited-edition wines that pack a punch. Established in 2002, this boutique beauty offers everything from effervescent Sparkling Shiraz to bold Sangiovese and velvety Shiraz. With a keen eye for quality over quantity, Cooley’s wines are more than just drinks—they’re a taste of the land’s soul.
Drop by the cellar door for an intimate tasting experience, live music, and a true sense of local hospitality. This is wine with grit and character, just like the region it calls home.
Mount Horrocks Wines
Mount Horrocks Wines is where the soulful rhythms of Clare Valley meet the art of winemaking. Stephanie Toole’s boutique winery, with its understated charm, channels a quiet yet powerful elegance in every bottle. Their Rieslings—crisp, nuanced, and full of life—are gorgeous, timeless, and layered. The Cordon Cut Riesling, once served to Queen Elizabeth II, adds an air of quiet luxury. Set in a historic railway station, it’s a place where the wine flows freely, and stories unfold effortlessly. Perfect for those seeking authenticity and a touch of magic in every glass.
The Old Railway Station, 12 Curling Street, Auburn
O’Leary Walker Wines
O’Leary Walker Wines serves up some of the finest drops in Clare Valley – scratch that, all of South Australia. Sip award-winning wines while overlooking the vines, nibble on gourmet platters, or dive into a long lunch showcasing the region’s best seasonal produce. Indulge in house-made duck pâté, hand-cut spinach linguini, or slow-cooked pork belly. We’re hooked on their vibrant 2022 Pinotage, the ultimate summer red, and the 2023 Polish Hill River Riesling, a fragrant, crisp white bursting with floral and mineral notes.
7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare
Taylors Wines
Since its inception in 1969, Taylors Wines has become one of Australia’s most iconic wine producers. As of 2023, their Chardonnay took top honours at the MUNDUS VINI Grand International in Germany, and their Shiraz and Riesling are also considered among the world’s best – proof that greatness awaits at this Clare Valley winery.
The newly redesigned, multi-million-dollar cellar door enhances the experience, with a manicured garden for sipping wine and grazing on cheese, a large lawn for boules or cricket, and a stunning sculpture collection. For a deeper dive, book a wine-tasting experience.
Winery Road, Auburn
Pikes Wines
Pikes Wines, renowned for its Riesling, offers more than just exceptional wines. A visit to their Clare Valley cellar door is a must for tasting a range of wines, including brews from Pikes Beer Co, and indulging in a seasonal lunch at Slate Restaurant. Established in the 1980s, the family-owned winery features flagship wines like the Merle Riesling and EWP Shiraz. Slate’s Modern Australian menu showcases local produce, with seasonal ingredients from their kitchen garden. Art lovers will also appreciate the soulful works of Jen McDonald, on display in the tasting room and restaurant.
233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill
Sevenhill Cellars
As the first winery ever built in the Clare Valley and one of the oldest in Australia, Sevenhill Cellars is an essential South Australian experience. With over 90 hectares of vines, it produces a diverse range of estate-grown, handcrafted wines, from Shiraz and Grenache to Riesling and Pinot Gris. Awarded by Halliday and Gourmet Traveller, the winery is set on a picturesque property, centred around a tree-lined village green and the historic St Aloysius Church.
At the cellar door, enjoy some of the finest wines in the region, relax on the shaded lawns, or take a stroll on a self-guided tour to retrace the steps of past visitors like Australia’s only saint, Mary MacKillop.
111C College Road, Sevenhill
Jim Barry Wines
A visit to Jim Barry Wines is made even more special when you understand its rich history. Jim Barry, a pioneer of Australian table wine, played a crucial role in shaping Clare Valley’s reputation for world-class Riesling. Today, the winery remains family-owned, with Peter Barry’s children continuing the legacy. The cellar door offers exceptional tasting experiences, including ‘The Immersion,’ which delves into both iconic and unreleased wines, and ‘The Collector Tasting,’ where guests sample three vintages of the legendary ‘The Armagh’ Shiraz. Bookings are essential for these unforgettable experiences.
33 Craig Hill Road, Stanley Flat
Skillogalee Estate
Skillogalee Estate, a family-owned winery since 1970, is one of Clare Valley’s most distinguished wine producers. With high-elevation vineyards, it produces exceptional, handcrafted wines like Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. At the cellar door, enjoy award-winning drops while taking in the breathtaking views of Spring Gully’s rolling hills and vineyards. The historic restaurant serves gourmet dishes that complement the estate’s wines, offering the finest food in the region. For the ultimate experience, stay in the boutique accommodation on-site, making Skillogalee the perfect place to relax and unwind.
23 Trevarrick Road, Sevenhill
Knappstein Winery
Built on a rich heritage, Knappstein Winery is one of Clare Valley’s most recognisable and beloved wineries. Its award-winning wines reflect the true essence of the region, showcasing the purest and most vibrant fruit.
Located in a historic building at the heart of Clare township, the cellar door is a must-visit. The original nineteenth-century Enterprise Brewery, a National Trust building and beautiful landmark, offers the perfect setting to enjoy a tasting of their premium wine range.
2 Pioneer Avenue, Clare
Koonowla Wines
We love Koonowla Wines, a luxurious winery set within one of Clare Valley’s most iconic historic properties. The charming stone building, surrounded by vines, offers an inviting atmosphere and a selection of exceptional wines. Visit the Koonowla Cellar Door to sample wines from their ‘Koonowla’ and ‘Georges’ collections every weekend (except during private events). Enjoy a tasting, sip a crisp white or bold red, and indulge in a platter while soaking in the stunning views until golden hour.
Sitchu Tip: For a truly unique Clare Valley accommodation experience, the Koonowla Homestead is the perfect place to settle in for the weekend. It offers the ultimate base for exploring this lush and picturesque wine region.
Koonowla Road, Auburn
Shut the Gate Wines
Shut the Gate, a boutique wine label, offers an atmospheric cellar door in Clare, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine, a chat, and a relaxing moment in the garden. Owners Rasa and Richard focus on small parcels of individual vineyard fruit, creating wines with expressive, unique flavours. Located on the main highway into Clare, the cellar door also features an on-site Provedore Store, where you can assemble a DIY picnic or take home a selection of delicious goodies.
8453 Main North Road, Clare
Mr. Mick Cellar Door & Restaurant
Mr. Mick Cellar Door and Kitchen, named after Australian winemaking legend K.H. (Mr. Mick) Knappstein, is a standout in Clare Valley. Owned by Tim and Pam Adams, this landmark property combines a renowned restaurant, cellar door, and gallery. True to Mr. Mick’s ethos of “affordable wines for everyone,” it’s the perfect spot to explore new varietals alongside traditional wines. Enjoy a tasting before indulging in tapas-style dining with seasonal produce, perfectly matched with wines by the glass. Advance bookings recommended for this iconic Clare Valley winery experience.
7 Dominic Street, Clare
Paulett Wines
At Paulett Wines, passion and love are poured into every bottle, making it a standout Clare Valley winery. Continuing a proud family tradition, this small-batch vineyard is renowned for producing wines that showcase the region’s elegance and intensity, with numerous awards to its name. Visit the inviting Paulett cellar door for a range of tasting experiences, complemented by delicious canapés from the on-site Bush DeVine Winery Restaurant. This award-winning dining experience highlights local produce from their own Australian bush food garden, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River
Mitchell Wines
Dry-grown, family-owned, and handcrafted, Mitchell Wines showcases an exclusive range of high-quality wines, including selections from their Mitchell, Kinsfolk, and McNicol collections. Experience a guided tasting, where you’ll learn about the winery’s rich history (dating back to the 1890s) and sustainable practices. Stay to enjoy a local produce picnic in the peaceful cellar door garden or relax by the fire with a cheese board and a glass of wine indoors.
246 Hughes Park Road, Penwortham
Jeanneret Wines
Jeanneret Wines embodies a simple philosophy: to make wines they love and believe you will too. This relaxed cellar door offers generous, flavourful wines paired with delicious pizzas, set in the picturesque Skilly Valley in Sevenhill. Sharing its space with Clare Valley Brewing Co., Jeanneret Wines provides a unique experience for all tastes. Housed in the original Jeanneret family home, the cellar door offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy wine tastings, savour platters and local snacks, and unwind by the outdoor fireplace with a glass of wine and stunning views.
22 Jeanneret Road, Sevenhill
Reillys Wines
Reillys Wines in Clare Valley is a must-visit, with seated wine tastings of their premium range, a seasonal à la carte menu, and on-site heritage accommodation. For a truly indulgent experience, book the 5-course Long Lunch Indulgence, where expert chefs guide you through the flavours of Mintaro and Clare Valley, with each course carefully paired with Reillys’ premium wines. The menu changes weekly to highlight the finest local produce, providing a unique and sensory dining experience in the heart of the region.
Leasingham Road, Mintaro
If you’ve enjoyed exploring the best wineries in Clare Valley with us and are now planning a trip to experience the lush vines and historic cellar doors of the region, be sure to explore some of Adelaide’s top wine bars first. And don’t forget to stop by some of Barossa’s finest for another unforgettable wine journey.
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