Spending 48 hours in the Clare Valley is a perfect amount of time to explore the region’s charming towns, visit some of its award-winning wineries, and experience its breathtaking scenery. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 48-hour trip to the Clare Valley:
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at a local café in the charming town of Clare, such as Wild Saffron or Zest Cafe. Afterward, take a stroll through the town’s main street and admire its beautiful historic buildings.
Mid-morning: Head to Sevenhill Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in the region, and take a tour of the winery’s underground cellars, which were hand-dug by Jesuit priests in the 1850s. After the tour, sample some of the winery’s award-winning wines and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon: Drive to the town of Mintaro and visit the Magpie & Stump Hotel for lunch. This historic pub dates back to the 1850s and features a beautiful sandstone exterior and cozy interior. After lunch, take a stroll around the town and visit the nearby Martindale Hall, a magnificent Georgian mansion that was built in the 1870s or visit us at the Mintaro Maze.
Evening: Head to Pikes Wines – The Pikes Wines cellar door between Mintaro and Sevenhill features a restaurant that offers a range of dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce, paired with the winery’s delicious wines
Day 2:
Morning: Start your day with a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Clare Valley. This unforgettable experience offers breathtaking views of the region’s vineyards and rolling hills.
Mid-morning: Visit the Skillogalee Winery, one of the Clare Valley’s most renowned wineries, for a tasting and tour of the vineyard. The winery is known for its excellent Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Afternoon: Drive to the nearby town of Auburn and have lunch at the Rising Sun Hotel, a historic pub that dates back to the 1850s. After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the Riesling Trail, a 35km cycling and walking trail that connects several wineries and towns in the region.
Evening: Return to Clare and have dinner at the Seed Winehouse + Kitchen, a popular restaurant that offers a range of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at the Clare Valley Brewing Company, which offers a range of craft beers made onsite.
This weekend itinerary provides a perfect balance of wine tasting, sightseeing, and relaxation, and will allow you to experience the best of what the Clare Valley has to offer in just 48 hours.