How to do the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley

If you’ve arrived without a bike of your own, you’ll find quite a few hire options (scroll down to see who they are) to get you onto a snazzy work horse tailored to your needs - starting with a huge assortment of Mountain and Leisure Bikes. With a wide range of options for any size, shape, age or ability these beasts will always be well-oiled and serviced, and ready to hit the trail.

But perhaps it’s been years since you last hopped in the saddle – and the thought of staying upright while having to worry about exerting yourself at the same time is just all too much to bear? Sounds like you could use an eBike, right? Easily done. Afterall, some of us just want to ‘pretend’ we’re pedalling and that’s perfectly fine around here. On that note, two sets of legs are often better than one, so how about a tandem bike? (you know the drill… he rides, you navigate)!

But what about something with a little more pizzaz? Perhaps even to soothe that sore bottom you’re worried about? Too easy… How about a retro Vintage Cruiser with all the romance of old? With a soft leather saddle and a wicker basket up front to stow all your stuff (think: handbag, picnic blanket, wine, cheese etc), you’ll not only find plenty of Instagrammable moments en route, but loads of creature comforts. Oh, and hey… you’ll also find some of these beauties are electrified too!

Naturally, if you’re here with the kids there’s no better way to get them out in the fresh air, and you’ll find plenty of options to keep them up close and steady with a selection of kids mountain bikes, tow-behinds, kids trailers and baby seats to keep them wheeling, without the whining!

With helmets, drink bottles, bike locks and even snacks often part of your hire booking, you’ll have everything you need to hit the road without the hassle. Oh, and if you’re wondering, yes… bikes can often be dropped off at your accommodation if that’s easier - and if you run into mechanical issues along the way you’ll be supported with replacements and/or rides.

With an endless array of bike hire options to suit just about any circumstance, you’ll find all of the above and more is just a phone tap or call away... In Clare, hit up Riesling Trail Bike Hire, Clare Valley Cycle Hire or Scoot the Valley to chat through their range. 

Naturally, this is wine country. Things happen, and hey… perhaps you’ve found yourself conveniently ‘stuck’ after rolling into one of our many wineries? Don’t stress. With access to around 30 cellar doors enroute it’s pretty much ‘par for the course’ so you’ll find many wineries and/or operators are happy to transfer your wine purchases back to your crib in time for dinner - or even arrange a one-way hire to suit your schedule. Just remember to ask them when booking!

If you’re winging it just that little bit more and don’t have time to book anything in advance, you can also avoid the hassle of backtracking at the end of your ride by (temporarily) farewelling your cycling mates at a pub, café or cellar door before calling the good folks at Clare Valley Taxis, who’ll gladly take you back to collect the car!

Of course, we all get busy. Perhaps the last thing you want to do is talk bike logistics and maps. Afterall, there’s places to see, food to devour and wine to drink... Can’t someone just make it happen for you? Well, yes actually.

Drop a line to the team at Clare Valley Experiences and they’ll be all too happy to take out the legwork with pickup from your accommodation and a flexible tour itinerary combining a ride along the Riesling Trail with in-vehicle touring to some of the region’s best small wineries. Is there anything like having a local guide at your fingertips? Not really. Taking a tour is not only a God-send for your sanity (or perhaps that of your travel mates) but also for your diary, with inside know-how designed to maximise all the best bits, with minimal effort on your part.

If you’re like most, you’ll likely start your Riesling Trail adventure right in the heart of Clare. Whether you’re heading north to Barinia, or south towards Auburn you’ll find plenty of cellar doors, food, arts and culture to stop you in your tracks before you’ve even started - so plan your time accordingly! While we’ve featured a few of these below, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Riesling Trail-themed artworks while you’re in town – keep an eye out for the Steam Train Silhouette, the Flock of Sheep, Rosina Possingham’s awesome mural on Ness Street and the newest edition, Monica McInerney as her 10 year old self lost in a ‘Cauldron of Words’ on the roof of her childhood home, the Station Master’s House.

Sculpture: Paul Leditschke 

Photo: Bed in a Shed

Kicking off from the old Clare Railway Station (near Pinks Reserve), the section between Clare and Barinia traverses some of the area’s most picturesque rural landscapes, starting with the beautiful Gleeson Wetlands just as you’re heading out of town. If you’re already thirsty, you’ll want to consider hitting up the stunning Mr Mick cellar door, the historic Knappstein Wines (look for the old Enterprise Brewery building), the slightly eccentric Mad Bastard Wines or the legendary Jim Barry Wines - in that order - before making your way north past Clare Country Club.

Leaving the main township, you’ll pedal your way across an old railway bridge and a steep-sided cutting decorated by tall pines before emerging to stunning vineyard views over White Hut. From here, roll your way through pristine natural bushland towards the historic White Hut Cemetery for a pitstop before following the vines over White Hut Creek all the way to Barinia.

This section is chock-full of eye candy, from rolling corduroy rows of vines to tall gums, quaint little sheep and wheat farms – and more gum trees that you can poke a (fresh-plucked eucalyptus) stick at. You’ll also find opportunities to jump off onto the Spring Gully Loop and Father Rogalski Loop along the way (read more about the various loop trails further below).

Let’s start rolling from the heart of Clare township once again. From the old Clare Railway Station (near Pinks Reserve), head south on the trail, and you’ll likely feel a slight uphill push as you make your way along - nothing too dramatic, and just remember it’s all downhill on your way back)!

After making your way out of town past Clare Valley Art Gallery (specialising in Aboriginal Art) and Clare Rise Bakery (think: delicious carbs pre-journey), you’ll soon be passing some of Clare Valley’s newest and oldest wineries, starting with Tim Adams, where a Single Vineyard Wine and Cheese Pairing will hit the spot just nicely. From here, it’s only a 2km pedal via the Clare Valley Food Wine & Tourism Centre to the super stylish Shut the Gate Wines & Cellar Door, where you’ll also find a great little garden and vineyard-facing deck out back. If you’re thinking of picnicking along the way, this is also a handy little spot to load up on goodies from their on-site Provedore, where you’ll find anything from artisan cheese to fresh-baked bread, pasta, meats, olives, preserves and pastes.

Heading south, don’t miss an Instagrammable moment as you cross the Quarry Road bridge, before making your approach to Sevenhill (look for the Cyclist Sculpture), where you’ll find Sevenhill Cellars on the edge of town. Founded by the Jesuits to produce sacramental wine back in 1851, it's now home to a stunning assortment of table wines and a great picnic area. In between tastings, don’t miss a self-guided tour of the underground cellar and St Aloysius’ Church, whose crypt is the final resting place of 41 Jesuit brothers.

If the kids are in tow, you’ll also find Richardson’s Reserve and Playground is a perfect spot to run them ragged before crossing the road into the Sevenhill township. This is your chance to load up on caffeine and pastries at The Little Red Grape Bakery or lunch with the locals at the historic Sevenhill Hotel. Ducking into Good Catholic Girl Wines will also treat your tastebuds to ‘The Vestry’ for a splash of Irish heritage.

This section will have you calling through the highest point of the trail in Penwortham, with loads of picturesque farmlands that still bear the hallmarks of their early pioneering history. You’ll also find opportunities to jump off onto the John Horrocks Loop and Father Rogalski Loop along the way (read more about the various loop trails further below).

After wheeling your way through fertile plains and fields past ‘The Hold Up’ sculpture, you’ll swing into the historic township of Penwortham - the site of Clare Valley’s first European settlement courtesy of explorer John Ainsworth Horrocks back in 1839. 

Moving along, you’ll pass under the Horrocks Highway enroute to Watervale, whose chalky soils have been churning out some of Australia’s finest Riesling for generations. Drop into Crabtree Watervale Wines to sip and savour some of the very best of it before lunching at the Watervale Hotel. With fresh local produce and some of the most to-die-for pub meals you’ve ever seen, it’s a great spot to wrap up your day, or carb-load before the next section.

This stretch of trail sees you rolling further south along the shared pathway, connecting with the railway corridor just north of Auburn. Along the way, you’ll pedal past constantly changing countryside, with a patchwork quilt of vines, rural vistas and townships.

On approach to Leasingham, make your way into town via Claymore Wines, where the vinos sing on the palate just as much as their namesakes (think: Dark Side of The Moon, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Joshua Tree, Bittersweet Symphony and well… you get the idea)! Moving further south on your way towards Auburn, it’s also worth a stop at O’Leary Walker Wines, where a cheese platter overlooking the vines is just the sort of pick-me-up you’re looking for.

As you approach the township (and trail terminus) through ‘The Archway’, you’ll find an assortment of spots to wind up your journey in style, with Grosset Wines and Cogwebs Café your first ports of call for wine, food, caffeine and handy visitor information. From here, roll into The Rising Sun Hotel for pub meals and all other forms of liquid nourishment, and Velvet and Willow for vino, artisan lattes, muffins and more.

If you’re still thirsty, you’ll be glad to know that Wines By KT isn’t too far away before you reach the ‘official’ end of the line at Mount Horrocks Wines (housed in the restored Auburn railway station).

Kicking off from the Clare Valley Food Wine & Tourism Centre, take Spring Gully Road west and you’ll find yourself cycling along one of the sweetest little byways in the region, as this undulating loop follows the tourist drive through the Skilly Hills to the outer reaches of Spring Gully Conservation Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and kookaburras in between towering gums and native Sheoaks.

Your first pit stop is Shut the Gate Wines & Cellar Door on Main North Road, whose understated frontage gives way to a funky cellar door with a cosy gas fire and a garden out back that you’ll settle into just nicely. This is also your chance to hit up their on-site Provedore and throw a few goodies in your basket or backpack for that picnic later on. 

Heading around 3km up the bitumen, you’ll swing past Sussex Squire Wines, where it’s worth calling ahead for a full tasting of their top-notch whites and reds before you fall head over heels in love with Milo, the winery dog. Heading further along Spring Gully Road, the bitumen turns to dirt as you roll your way through eucalypts toward Eldredge Wines, where a perfect platter can be matched to their namesake Spring Gully Riesling.

From here, make your way south towards Blue Gum Lookout, right on the north-western tip of Spring Gully Conservation Park. From the carpark, it’s worth hopping out of the saddle to stretch your legs along the Cascades Walk (40-min return), that’ll have you weaving your way through grassy woodlands to a seasonal waterfall that flows after rains.

After a good stretch and some time out in nature, it’s time to click into gear down Sawmill Road, which will take you eastward, around 7km back toward the historic township of Sevenhill - where a cold beer awaits like a glistening trophy at the legendary Sevenhill Hotel.

Whether you’re starting this one from Sevenhill or Penwortham, you can expect a little extra legwork as you make your way along public roads (be careful of passing traffic), but it’s well worth the effort for those wanting to go that little bit further in search of hidden gems.

From Sevenhill, start at Good Catholic Girl Wines before following the rows of eucalypts along Bayes Road. Heading south-west, you’ll follow the bitumen for about a kilometre before turning left on Hughes Park Road towards the legendary Skillogalee Winery & Restaurant. A bona fide culinary icon of Clare Valley, this place is known for top-notch local food with vineyard views to die for, and if their stunning menu isn’t enough to have you waxing on about how good it felt to ditch your diet plan, their wine certainly will.

Heading around 750-metres west, you’ll arrive at Jeanneret Wines, where perching yourself on the deck and washing down a generous local platter with a stunning vino or two is almost irresistible. Oh, and if wine’s not your bag, don't stress... they’re also the home of Clare Valley Brewing Co, so there’s plenty of local beers on tap.

From here, it’s just another 600 metres or so toward Penwortham back along Hughes Park Road – and your next pit-stop at the Mitchell Wines cellar door. Housed in a stunning old stone apple shed, this place is one of the stalwarts of the Clare Valley, and whether you’re in need of a wine flight, an estate tour, a lunch or a masterclass, it’s a pretty good spot to park your bike (and your timekeeper) for a while.

Keep following Hughes Park Road for another kilometre or so before hanging a left at Penna Lane and you’ll find more thirst-quenching goodness at Kilikanoon Wines Cellar Door, where you’ll jump into a range of tasting experiences that are well worth of booking a couple of days in advance. From there, you may as well walk your way into Penna Lane Wines just next door.

Hitting the road again, it’s only a couple of gear switches (around 3.5-kilometres) down to the Horrocks Highway at Penwortham, where you can either finish the whole loop by riding north back to Sevenhill or take your next escapade along the Father Rogalski (Polish Hill) Loop…

Okay. This loop is definitely not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re a reasonably fit and confident pedal pusher, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the valley as you make your way into the Polish Hill River wine sub-region, where heavy slate soils produce distinctly different flavours to their nearby Watervale cousins.

Once again, you’ll mostly be making your way along public roads, so if you’re a nervous rider you may want to consider your options by car or on foot. You can kick this one off from either Penwortham or Sevenhill, but for the purposes of this exercise we’re starting with the latter.

From Horrocks Highway at Sevenhill, head east up College Road past Richardson’s Reserve and Playground (great for the kids if they’re in tow) towards the iconic Sevenhill Cellars. This place needs no further introduction – it’s one of the region’s historical and wine producing icons, so read a little bit further above to school up on the Jesuit mastery sitting at its core.

After a tour of the legendary St Aloysius’ Church and its famous crypt (yes, all at the cellar door), make your way back down the hill to join the Riesling Trail, where you’ll head around 1.5-kilometres south before taking the left at Jolly Way.

Passing by pristine patches of farmland, you’ll emerge through the trees to a perfect patch of vines at Paulett Wines & Bush DeVine Café, where you’ll find an Insta-worthy deck that’s primed for a swish by the vines. If you’re feeling peckish, you’re also in luck, with their mouth-watering medley of Australian bush flavours on the menu.

Picking up Jolly Way again and heading north-east, take a left up Polish Hill Road for another 2.5-kilometres to The Wilson Vineyard to find a highly creative winery and cellar door that supports local artists just as much as wine-lovers. From here it’s just another 400-metres or so to another local legend in Pikes Wines (book ahead for tastings), which is also conveniently home to the effervescent Pikes Beer Company and Slate Restaurant - where a feast of fine local fare awaits.

You'll find plenty of accommodation options along the Riesling Trail and its various loops, from cosy bed and breakfasts to stunning self-contained apartments, historic cottages, caravan parks and even golf resorts.

While we have a huge range of accommodation options, there’s a few cycling-centric properties that you may want to consider, particularly around Clare township, near the Riesling Trail and Loop Trail access points.

The super family-friendly Discovery Parks Clare not only offers self-contained cabins and a wide range of caravan sites and camping options, but is literally a couple of hundred metres from the main route, while Riesling Trail Cottages also happen to run Clare Valley Cycle Hire, making life pretty seamless. For something more up-market, Brice Hill Country Lodge also has their bikes on-site, via the same owners.

It’s that niggling little problem, right? Where and how to stash and transport your liquid loot after hitting a million wineries - on a bike? The good news is that you’ll find plenty of hire cycles (refer to hire operators above) are equipped with spacious baskets that can easily nurse a few bottles of plonk in between pitstops.

Of course, if you’re looking to make some more serious purchases, you’ll need other options. Luckily many wineries will happily courier your burgeoning collection of bottles and cartons back to your home, depending how thirsty you are. You’ll also find some outlets and/or hire bike operators (see the list above) are happy to transfer wine purchases back to your local accommodation.

Oh, and naturally there’s always that option of buying your grog first and worrying about it later… You’ll find no trouble at all with leaving your purchase at the cellar door and picking it up in your car later - whenever ‘later’ may be (probably on your drive back home).

You’ll find designated car parks at Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, Clare and Barinia, with public toilets at Auburn Memorial Park (St. Vincent Street), Watervale Oval (Quelltaler Rd), Sevenhill Cricket Ground (near Richardson’s Reserve and Playground) and Clare Skate Park – as well as countless other food and wine outlets along the way.

Always check weather ahead of any venture along the Riesling Trail. Clare Valley is in the mid-north of South Australia, which regularly sees daytime temperatures over 30°C in summer, with an average of around 14°C during winter. Ensuring a constant water supply is essential, so be sure to stock up before heading out and remember to fill up along the way.

As well as the numerous food and wine outlets loaded with icy cold water, you’ll also find public taps and fountains in all of the main towns. In particular, look for the trail shelters in Watervale, (between Sevenhill and Quarry Road) and at the Lennon Street car park in Clare.