24 hours in the Clare Valley

Riesling Trail
Walk, run or ride the Riesling Trail from Auburn to Barinia in the Clare Valley. A favourite for those visiting the Clare Valley, the Riesling Trail runs for 35 kilometres linking local towns to passing restaurants, cafes and cellar doors along its track. The name comes from the grape and wine variety that the Clare Valley region is famous for, so you’ll be sure to peddle away with a new found appreciate for Riesling.
Suitable for cyclists of all levels with signs all along the trail to guide you where you need to go, the Riesling Trail is a must-do for exploring nearby cellar doors and immersing yourself charmingly secluded Clare Valley. A variety of bikes are available for hire from the Clare Country Club ($25 for a half day, $40 for full day hire).

Tapas lunch at Mr.Mick
Here you’ll find a unique cellar door experience where wine, food and art come together in the Clare Valley. Visit Mr.Mick’s Kitchen for a tapas-style lunch and indulge, explore and savour superb food and wine combinations in a casual and contemporary atmosphere. The friendly staff are always happy to assist in the number of small plates to share as to your group size, or for those dining solo. We recommend booking a table in advance and its sure to be popular among many on your day of visit.

Mintaro Maze
Mintaro Maze is an award-winning living head maze consisting of over 800 conifers in the historic town of Mintaro, Clare Valley. The goal is to reach the centre and find your way out again, but the featuring fountains, twists and turns are destined to trick even the most committed explorer. Concur the Maze, play with the range of giant sized games featuring local Mintaro late or simply stop by for a post-lunch coffee and admire the manicured Maze from outside. The Maze is open Wednesday to Monday, 10.00am – 4.00pm and every day during public holidays and school holidays (excluding the month of February, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and extreme weather warning days). Entry into the Maze costs $8.00 per child and $12.00 per adult.

Build your own platter at Shut the Gate cellar door
At the Shut the Gate cellar door not only will you have the opportunity to taste some of their signature Riesling or Tempranillo, but if you’re feeling peckish after exploring the Mintaro Maze, why not put together a ‘build your own platter’ from their gourmet range of local produce. Find a cosy spot around the wood fire or outside on the lawn and enjoy your DIY picnic with a glass of Shut the Gate wine in hand.

Cocktails at Seed
Time for a well-earned drink? Head over to Seed Winehouse & Kitchen for happy hour! Enjoy a Clare Valley Riesling, pint of local beer or even a Seed-style espresso martini inside this relaxed and cosy old chaff mill at the northern end of the town’s main street.
And if you’ve got a little more time before dinner, order yourself some pre-dinner nibbles from their snack menu – designed around smoked, pickled, cured and fried small plates. Their extensive dining experience ‘seed table’ is a reflection of the Clare Valley, its wine and its people. So, whether you’re popping in for a quick drink or settling in for dinner, you won’t be disappointed.

Dinner at Conners Restaurant
Head back to your hotel room and put something comfy before joining us in Conners Restaurant for dinner.
In recent years, Conners Restaurant has firmly established itself as one of the leading dining establishments in the Clare Valley, offering a seasonal menu focusing on local and sustainable produce. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine list that is exclusively comprised of Clare Valley wines so allow the wait staff to pick the perfect drop to accompany your menu selections for the evening. After dinner, retire to Conners Bar for a nightcap by the open fire place.

Small plates at Terroir Auburn
Terroir Auburn runs with a strict locavore philosophy. Using as much local produce as humanly possible, with only ingredients such as spices and some dairy products out sourced, as they are not produced in the Clare Valley. A strong focus on seasonality and a weekly changing menu insures a contemporary representation of seasonal Clare Valley produce. With both current and old school cooking techniques in use, in a relaxed yet charming setting, Terroir Auburn is a true representation of the modern Clare Valley. If you’re travelling on the weekend, pop in between 12 noon – 4.00pm for some plates and drinks before making the journey home. Alternatively, dinner service is run Wednesday to Saturday from 6.00pm.

Where to stay? The Clare Country Club offers great facilities, food and warm services, so you’ll be sure to enjoy a great night sleep after a busy day of exploring the region.

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