Clare Valley

Clare Valley is a wine region located in the Mid North region of South Australia, approximately 136km north of Adelaide. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, historic towns, and, most notably, its wine production.

The history of Clare Valley dates back to the 1840s when European settlers first began establishing farms in the region. The first vineyards were planted in the 1850s, and by the late 19th century, wine production had become a significant industry in the area.

In the early 20th century, the wine industry in Clare Valley suffered a downturn due to the decline in demand for fortified wines. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, a new generation of winemakers began focusing on producing high-quality table wines, which helped to revitalize the industry in the region.

Today, Clare Valley is home to over 40 wineries, ranging from large commercial operations to small boutique vineyards. The region is particularly well known for its Riesling wines, which are considered some of the best in Australia, as well as its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache varieties.

In addition to its wine industry, Clare Valley is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, historic towns, and outdoor activities. The area is home to several national parks, including the Clare Valley Conservation Park, which offers hiking trails and camping opportunities. Other popular attractions include the Riesling Trail, a 35km cycling and walking trail that connects several wineries and towns in the region, and the Sevenhill Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in the area, established by the Jesuits in 1851.

Clare Valley also hosts several annual events that attract visitors from around the world, including the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, which showcases local wines and produce, and the Clare Valley Film Festival, which celebrates independent films and filmmakers.

Overall, Clare Valley is a region steeped in history and culture, with a thriving wine industry and a range of attractions and activities that make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Australia.

Here are some of the top things to do in Mintaro, South Australia, and explanations of each attraction:

1. Martindale Hall: Martindale Hall is a grand mansion built in the 1880s by wealthy pastoralist Edmund Bowman Jr. The mansion is now a museum and is open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the opulent interior of the mansion, which features period furnishings, artwork, and other artifacts. Martindale Hall is also famous for its appearance in the 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock.”
2. Mintaro Maze: The Mintaro Maze is a popular tourist attraction that features a hedge maze, a garden maze, and a miniature maze. The maze is made up of over 800 conifers and is one of the largest mazes in Australia. Visitors can enjoy exploring the maze, which is designed to challenge and delight people of all ages.
3. Reillys Wines: Reillys Wines is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Clare Valley wine region. Visitors can sample a range of wines and enjoy a gourmet platter or lunch in the winery’s beautiful surroundings. The winery is also home to a museum that showcases the history of the region’s wine industry.
4. The Magpie & Stump Hotel: The Stump is a historic pub located in the heart of Mintaro, South Australia. The pub was established in the mid-19th century and is one of the oldest operating hotels in the Clare Valley region.
5. Mintaro Heritage Trail: The Mintaro Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich history. The trail covers over 20 historic sites, including churches, schools, and public buildings. Visitors can pick up a brochure at the Mintaro Institute and explore the town at their own pace.
6. Mintaro Slate Quarries: The Mintaro Slate Quarries are an important part of the town’s history and have been in operation since the mid-19th century. Visitors can take a tour of the quarries and learn about the process of extracting and shaping the slate. The slate is used for roofing, flooring, and other building applications and is prized for its durability and beauty.
7. St. Aloysius Church: St. Aloysius Church is a historic Catholic church located in the center of Mintaro. The church was built in the 1860s and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and ornate altar. Visitors can attend mass or simply admire the architecture and artwork of this beautiful church.
8. Riesling Trail: The Riesling Trail is a 35 km bike trail that winds through the Clare Valley wine region. The trail passes through Mintaro and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the trail, stopping to sample wines and enjoy local food along the way.

Mintaro is a small town located in the Clare Valley region of South Australia, approximately 125 km north of Adelaide. The town was established in the mid-19th century and has a rich history dating back to the early days of South Australian settlement.

Mintaro was founded in 1849 by Joseph and Henry Gilbert, two brothers who were among the first European settlers in the area. The Gilberts established a sheep station in the area and named it “Mintaro” after a property they had owned in Cornwall, England.

The town grew quickly, with the opening of a post office in 1851 and the establishment of several businesses, including a blacksmith, a general store, and a hotel. Mintaro soon became an important center of trade and commerce in the Clare Valley region.

One of the most significant events in Mintaro’s history was the construction of Martindale Hall, a grand mansion built by wealthy pastoralist Edmund Bowman Jr. in the 1880s. The mansion, which is now a museum, is a testament to the wealth and opulence of 19th-century colonial life in South Australia.

Mintaro also played a role in the development of the region’s wine industry. The first vineyards in the Clare Valley were established in the 1850s, and the town became known for its production of high-quality wines.

Over the years, Mintaro has faced its share of challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters such as floods and bushfires. However, the town has persevered, and today it is a popular tourist destination known for its historic architecture, scenic beauty, and vibrant arts community.

Today

Visitors to Mintaro can explore the town’s many historic buildings and landmarks, including Martindale Hall, the Mintaro Maze, and the old railway station. They can also sample some of the region’s world-famous wines and enjoy the natural beauty of the Clare Valley region, which is home to picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and stunning vistas.

Originally posted on the Martindale Hall website.

Martindale Hall is a historic mansion located in Mintaro, a small town in South Australia. The mansion was built in the mid-19th century by Edmund Bowman Jr., a wealthy pastoralist, and was named after his wife’s maiden name.

The construction of Martindale Hall began in 1879 and took six years to complete. The building was designed by English architect Ebenezer Gregg and is a fine example of Georgian architecture. The mansion is constructed from locally sourced stone and features a slate roof, tall chimneys, and a symmetrical facade.

The interior of Martindale Hall is equally impressive, featuring grand reception rooms, ornate plaster-work, and a magnificent cantilevered staircase. The mansion also boasts a ballroom, a billiards room, and a library.

After the death of Edmund Bowman Jr. in 1895, the property was sold to the Mortlock family, who were also prominent pastoralists. The Mortlocks made some modifications to the mansion, including the addition of a conservatory and a new entrance.

Martindale Hall remained in the Mortlock family until 1978 when it was sold to the South Australian government. Today, the mansion is open to the public as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of 19th-century colonial life in South Australia.

Martindale Hall is also notable for its appearance in the 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” directed by Peter Weir. The mansion was used as a filming location for the movie and played a prominent role in the story.

Who owns Martindale Hall

Martindale Hall is owned by the Government of South Australia and is managed by the Department for Environment and Water.

Martindale Hall is currently used as a museum and tourist attraction, showcasing the historic architecture and interior design of the building, as well as its significance in South Australian history.

It is open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the historic mansion and its grounds, which offer a glimpse into the colonial past of South Australia.

The mansion is open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction, Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and explore the grounds, which include a heritage rose garden and other features of the property.